On the afternoon of November 9, 2023, Mary Racicot, 69, made her peaceful transition with her cat, Blaze, and friend Colleen at her bedside. Just outside the room, family members and a village of close friends affectionately dubbed Mary's "team of angels" were gathered in support. Together, they gave her the send off she'd imagined, full of tears, laughter, music and so much love.

A lifetime Winooski resident, Mary was born on April 17, 1954, to George and Florence Racicot.

The youngest of four sisters, Mary attended St. Francis Xavier School and Rice High School before going on to have a 30-year career at IBM.

Mary lived her entire life in her childhood home, built by her father. Upon entering her home, one was greeted with Knick knacks and decor that reflected her creative personality and legendary sense of humor. In her kitchen one could find kitschy salt and pepper shakers on the windowsill; a refrigerator adorned with funky magnets; walls covered in vintage wallpaper; and a large kitchen table that served as her central command post. Friends and visitors spent countless hours at that table, forever welcomed by Mary's giving, open heart and forever entertained by her sharp wit and unmatched comedic timing.

Alongside her gifts for lighthearted banter and joke telling was Mary's near encyclopedic musical knowledge. Several times a day, up until her final days, Mary would break into a familiar phrase that began with, "Alexa, play . . . " Music was Mary's true north, and she tapped into its magic in such an authentic way. She played the drums and had a full drum set in her home. Her vast music collection spanned from vinyl records to cassette tapes to CDs.

Late one recent night, when confined to bed, Mary yelled out, "Alexa, play ""Uptown Funk" by Bruno Mars: Volume 10!" And from her nest of pillows, she nodded her head to the beat, laced her fingers together and undulated her arms, determined to dance no matter what.

That happy-go-lucky attitude made Mary a beloved customer at her favorite local spots. Whether she was at the gas station getting coffee and lottery tickets, or out to lunch at McKee's, Junior's, the Spanked Puppy or City Sports Grille, Mary brought the fun. Blessed with a smile that could light up a room and a personality like no other, Mary put everyone at ease. She never judged anyone, ever — what a gift.

Mary's legacy is in her deeply founded friendships, heartfelt bonds anchored by her unwavering kindness and grace. Mary always picked up the phone when you called; she always rooted for the underdog; she always stood by those she loved; she always ended her good byes with, "Love you." Lucky are those to have known her — whether for decades or days.

Mary approached the end of her life as a gentle warrior, displaying tremendous strength and humility alongside moments of deep reflection (and, let's face it, that crude sense of humor). Even when her voice was reduced to a whisper, Mary found ways to make others laugh. Her perspective served as a reminder to us all: Life is never easy, but the love we share with others comes back to us and makes it bearable.

When she could still request songs, Mary often chose to play "Throw Me a Party" by Rita Wilson. An appropriate anthem for the celebration of Mary's life, it says, "So when I'm gone, throw me a party/You should dance as if I was there/Don't be sad or be broken-hearted/Just send your voices up in the air." Godspeed, Mary. May you be dancing, wherever you are. And may you watch over us, always.

Mary is survived by her sisters, Betty LaBier, Julie LaRoche and husband Real, and Carol Racicot Elliott and partner John Denno; numerous nieces and nephews, including special niece

Melissa Donaldson and husband Jamie, and special nephew Lance LaBier; grandnieces Kara Granger and Lia Donaldson, and dear friends Teresa and John White. She was predeceased by her parents, stepfather Edward Winkowski, brother-in-law Ronald LaBier, niece Robin Hardy, and her "heart mother," Josie Vezina.

Mary's family extends a special thanks to Jo Ann DeForge (and family) for caring for Mary throughout her journey, Kristy Rice, RN, and caregivers Alicia and Karen of Silver Leaf In-Home Care. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary's name can be made to the Humane Society of Chittenden County.

A mass of Christian burial is scheduled for Monday, November 20, at 11 a.m., at St. Francis Xavier Church in Winooski. Arrangements are under the care of LaVigne Funeral Home and Cremation Service.