Nettie Searles

Nettie Searles passed away in the early hours of November 24, 2024, at Mayo Healthcare in Northfield, VT, surrounded by her family. She was born to Neal and Alice Thomas on August 25, 1932, and lived her life in Cabot, Vermont. She graduated from Cabot High School in 1951. Nettie married Roger Searles on October 17, 1951. She was predeceased by Roger in 2003 and by her sons, Harry(1952), Donovan (2003), and Randy(2016) Searles. Nettie is survived by her daughter, Betty Searles, her adopted daughter, Sue LaFoe, her granddaughter, Casey Searles, and her great-granddaughter Samantha Sicely. 

Nettie brought joy wherever she went, lovingly known as “Sunshine Girl” by her close friends, Cynthia and Jean. Her warm smile and kind heart illuminated every space, making life a bit brighter. An avid gardener, Nettie had a talent for nurturing plants and could grow anything with ease. She loved birdwatching, crocheting, sewing, animals, indulging in Reese’s Cups, baking, sharing stories, and spending time with her family, especially her granddogs and great-granddaughter, Sam. Above all else, helping others was her greatest source of happiness, whether it was crafting a cozy blanket or simply brightening someone’s day; she had a gift for knowing how to support anyone she encountered, bringing a smile to their face. Nettie often wondered why her presence brought so much joy and why others loved her so much, thinking of herself as ordinary. Yet, to those who knew her, it was clear she was anything but ordinary. Today, take a moment to spread a little sunshine to someone and remember her with a smile. 

Services will be held in the spring at the Cabot Village Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Cabot Ambulance. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nettie Searles, please visit our floral store.