Alice Carlisle

August 31, 1946 — February 11, 2025

Alice Marie (Paquin) Carlisle died of natural causes on the morning of February 11, 2025, leaving a hole in the hearts of family and friends. Alice was a sharp-witted, soft-hearted, fun-loving, hardworking, and caring woman who enriched the lives of all she touched over her 78 years among us. From her youngest age she made an impression with her naturally curly, bright red hair - and a strong personality that matched. Professionally, Alice began learning the trade of silversmithing from Ed Levin in Shaftsbury while in high school, a trade she expertly plied over many years, independently and at Boston’s John Lewis Jewelry.

On October 18, 1969, Alice married Clayton Carlisle who served a distinguished career in city administration which brought the couple to homes as far west as Ohio, and several cities in Massachusetts. For many years they lived in Clayton’s hometown of Hudson, MA where Alice’s magnanimous good nature, gardening and cooking skills made their home a social center where she hosted her famed Bastille Day parties and always welcomed friends, relatives and international students far from home. Alice and Clayton travelled far and wide. After her parents’ retirements they took them to France on a long-dreamed-of trip. Alice and Clay travelled to China before that was commonly done, with Alice bringing back pearls and gems, and Clayton sharing his knowledge of city administration; and they explored and made connections in Clayton’s ancestral home of Armenia. She shared sun-filled visits to the beach in Florida and enjoyed trips to the Garlic festival in Bennington.

Throughout her life, Alice poured her love and energy into her family, creating countless cherished memories with her nieces and nephews. She stepped in with unwavering care when her sister was on bedrest, managing a household full of adventures – from head lice and tornado warnings to a broken arm, all just before a new baby arrived. She was such a good cook she became “Meals on Wheels” for a sick brother. Her thoughtfulness was evident year after year by Christmas gifts that made each niece and nephew feel special. Alice brought Tupperware containers full of cookies for the 4th of July “Paquin Family Summer Olympics” and was a steady, loving presence at family weddings.

Alice was down to earth, intelligent, and cool in an emergency. Alice was at the scene when her brother, Ed, was electrocuted by a downed power line on the way to trying to assist at a truck accident. She quickly assessed the situation and administered CPR, saving her brother’s life. Her kindness and devotion left an indelible mark on those who knew her and her legacy of love will be forever remembered.

In recent years Alice and Clayton moved to her old stomping grounds, settling in Bennington, where she was happy to share her hospitality with good food and company. The “price of admission” was playing a good-spirited game of Rummikub before you left. In the last few years Alice was a dedicated wife and caretaker as her husband Clayton gradually declined with Alzheimer's disease. The couple moved to Brookdale at Filmore Pond where Clayton currently resides.

Over the last several years, as both have had to deal with cognitive declines they have truly benefitted from the love and assistance of the Paquin families of North Bennington and Shaftsbury. Alice’s nieces, nephews, brother and sisters have helped with the challenges of aging in many ways and on countless occasions. Her niece Missi Martocchio, a registered nurse, has been a particularly close and loving professional in assisting with their recent difficulties.

Alice was predeceased by her parents, Alice (Tremblay) Paquin and Edward Paquin Sr. of Shaftsbury; older brother James Paquin of Slidell, LA; younger brother Charles Paquin of Cambridge, NY; two sisters-in-law (both named Martha); a niece Rachel Lee and nephew Timothy Lee. She is survived by her loving husband, Clayton; brothers William Paquin of Naples, FL; Thomas Paquin of North Bennington; Edward Paquin Jr. (Gini Milkey) of Barre, VT; and sisters Eva Paquin (Richard Staab) of Westford, VT and Marianna Lee (Alan) of Buffalo, MN and North Port, FL.

Alice was a caring, engaging and supportive aunt to her nieces and nephews: Brett, Lynne, Josette, Suzanne, Margot, TR, Missi, Mindi, Will, Bill, Sarah, Rick, Karen, Jason, Rose and Kit.

A celebration of Alice's life will be arranged for family and friends in the Spring.

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Alice Carlisle

August 31, 1946 — February 11, 2025

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