William Edward Villemaire

William Edward Villemaire died of natural causes on November 25, 2022; he was 66 years old. "Bill" was born on July 29, 1956, the son of the late Donald and Theresa Villemaire. He was born with Down Syndrome. In those days, a person with that disability was often remanded to the care of the Brandon Training School or another private facility. Some parents chose to care for their child at home, which was the choice in Bill's case. At home, he was nurtured by all family members, especially his aunt, Blanche Villemaire, who taught him to read and write. His mother, Theresa, became very active in organizations which promoted the care and education of all special needs children, starting at the Bennett C. Douglas School in Burlington, with an enrollment of twenty-five students. In the early 1970's, public sentiment shifted to 'mainstreaming' special needs children into public schools; Bill then attended and graduated from Burlington High School. Bill was initially employed at the Vermont Sheltered Workshop which then evolved into what is known today as Champlain Community Services (CCS), where he participated in many community activities as well as employment at the Sweet Clover Market in Essex. In 2006, a play entitled "Bill's Bill" was written and debuted in Burlington. The title was based on disability activism and the 1977 legislation in Vermont that allowed those with developmental disabilities to take whatever time was needed to complete high school in an inclusive environment. Bill played a prominent role in this play turned film, as its title clearly designates. For the past 11 years, Bill was under the care of Mimi DesOrmeaux, his Shared Living Provider. Mimi gave Bill exemplary care and ultra- professional intervention and support. We wish to thank this Angel of Mercy as we feel that God has a special place in His Kingdom reserved for her. There will be a graveside service at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Winooski on Thursday, December 1st at 11:00 AM.