Virgine C. Cloutier

Virgine C. Cloutier of Wabasha, MN, age 91, passed away on Saturday, June 25, 2016. She was born on December 10, 1924 in Bloomer, WI to Henry and Mary (Black) Smith. Virgine married her first husband, Robert E. Swanson in January of 1946 and later divorced. She then married Darcy M. Cloutier in February of 1962. Virgine was a proud graduate of New Auburn High School at the age 16. She taught at Eau Claire Teachers College graduating at age 18. She taught at Duncan Creek School for 2 years and then went on to a short war time career as a street car conductor in Minneapolis. She spent the next several years as a homemaker and mother, and rejoined the workforce as a program counselor with WestCAP. She moved on to a career with the United States Post Office, retiring at the age of 74. Virgine devoted much of her time working as a volunteer with senior citizens. She was active with the Chippewa County Coalition on Aging and Chippewa County Housing Authority. In her spare time, she enjoyed quilting, Bingo, gardening, cards, traveling and spending time with family and friends. She is survived by her nine children, Arlene (Frank) Westfall of Ardmore, AL, Richard (Nancy) Swanson of Burlington, VT, George (Peggy) Swanson of Culver, MN, Christopher (Diane) Swanson of Great Falls, MT, Robert (Athena Jo) Swanson of Duluth, MN, Darcia (Brian) Gallt of New Auburn, WI, Mark (Lori) Cloutier of Alma, WI, Mary Cloutier of Chicago, IL and Barbara Cloutier of Menomonie, WI; 27 grandchildren; a multitude of great-grandchildren; siblings, Esther Marguerite Kron of Los Angeles, CA, Hubert (Maryann) Smith of Shell Lake, WI and Raymond Smith of Clear Lake, WI; In-laws, Florence Smith of Madison, WI and Wayne Severson of Clear Lake, WI; other relatives and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Robert E. Swanson; second husband, Darcy M. Cloutier; special friend, Joe Johnson; siblings, Alice Boehm, Erving Smith and Anita Severson and In-laws, Robert Boehm and Judy Smith. A Celebration of Life will be held at Seventh Day Baptist Church, 503 S. East St., New Auburn, WI on Thursday, June 30, 2016 at 11:00 am with Pastor Wayne North officiating. A memorial gathering will be held at the church on Wednesday from 4:00-7:00 pm and then again on Thursday from 10:00 am until the time of service. Burial of cremated remains will be held at a later date at Duncan Creek Cemetery. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of the St. Anne’s unit at St. Elizabeth Heath Care Center in Wabasha with their loving care and concern. Also, County Terrace Assisted Living in Bloomer who provided Virgine’s care in the beginning of her illness.