Marie-Ange Sage

BURLINGTON, VT – Marie-Ange Sage, 98, of Lake Wallace, Vt., passed away peacefully on Friday, Jan. 30, 2015, at Pillsbury Manor in South Burlington with her family by her side. She was born a twin, in Stanhope, Qué., on Dec. 18, 1916, a daughter of the late Joseph and Bertha (Crete) Routhier. She attended Our Presentation of St Mary’s School in Stanhope and was married to Arthur Sage of Norton on Aug. 25, 1936. For 65 years Marie-Ange and Arthur resided in Norton and Lake Wallace. She primarily focused on raising seven children and helping her husband with the farm, delivering mail, and baking homemade bread and donuts sold at local grocery stores. People waited for Arthur to show up with the baked goods. She was a joyful person who loved to sing and dance, and she especially loved a challenge. There was nothing she wouldn’t do or try…“laissez les bon temps rouler” (let the good times roll); driving a tractor, racing on a snowmobile, and speed walking were just a few that all will remember. Her passion was to impart to all to learn to appreciate what you have and keep life simple! She was frequently heard to say, ‘Life is a school and we are all here to learn.’ A woman of great faith, she encouraged all to trust in God, and with His help there was nothing one couldn’t achieve or do. Her favorite song was, ‘This is the day the Lord hath made.’ She loved people, entertaining, traveling, and especially playing cards. She leaves behind five daughters, Rita Martin, Bert and husband Eddie Vargas, and Theresa Sage all of Bradenton, Fl., Doris Sage of Shelburne, Vt., Ann and husband Victor Peters of Vergennes, Vt.; two sons, Bernie Sage of Shelburne, Vt., and Norman Sage and wife Samantha of Pelham, NH; one sister, Rejeane MacAllister of Troy, Vt.; two brothers, Bernard Routhier of South Burlington, Vt., and Maurice Routhier of Lakeworth, Fl.; 16 grand-children, 13 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, Arthur, in 2001, and eight siblings. A memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1, at St. Albert's Catholic Church in West Stewartstown, NH, with The Rev. Craig Cheney as celebrant. A committal service will immediately follow at St. Bernard's Cemetery in Norton, Vt. Following the Mass and committal, friends and family are invited to gather for further fellowship and refreshment at the parish hall at St. Albert's Church in West Stewartstown. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mrs. Sage may be made to Pillsbury Manor Home Care, 20 Harborview Rd., So. Burlington, VT 05403. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook.

Marie-Ange Sage

December 18, 1916 - January 30, 2015