Rose Alba (Stone) Plankey passed away peacefully on August 18, 2026, in
Middlebury, VT, one day shy of her 95th birthday. Born in Ferrisburgh, VT, she was
the youngest child of Oscar and Marguerite (Langeway) Stone.
Rose spent her entire life in Addison County, building a life centered around
family, faith, friendship, and the simple joys that made each day special.
Rose married the love of her life, William J. Plankey, Sr., and together they
shared 45 wonderful years of marriage before his passing in 1995. They made
their home on Main Street in Vergennes, where Rose lived for 68 years. It was
more than just a house—it was the heart of the family. Rose and Bill raised their
six children there, and over the years it became a place where children,
grandchildren, and great-grandchildren gathered to celebrate birthdays and
holidays, share meals, tell stories, and simply enjoy being together. For Rose,
those moments with her family were among life’s greatest blessings.
Rose found her greatest purpose and happiness in her family. She is survived by
four of her children: Kathleen Gourlie (William), Barbara McDonald (Barry),
Susan Hatch (Michael Gingras), and Diana Hirshfeld (Drew). She was
predeceased by her beloved sons, William Plankey, Jr. and Michael Plankey.
Rose was a loving grandmother to fourteen grandchildren, along with their
spouses and partners, and a proud great-grandmother to thirteen. She is also
survived by many cousins and friends who will miss her warmth and kindness.
Rose’s Catholic faith was a constant and important part of her life. She was a
lifelong member of St. Peter’s Church in Vergennes and a member of the St.
Ann’s Society. In her later years, she found great joy in being a dedicated
volunteer at St. Peter’s Closet Thrift Store, where she enjoyed helping others and
being part of her church community.
Rose and Bill shared a love of square dancing and were committed members of
the Small City Steppers. Rose also loved baking, gardening, sewing, fishing, and
reading. She had a wonderful appreciation for the things that made a house feel
like home, and her collections of owls, nutcrackers, and salt and pepper shakers
became legendary among family and friends.
Those who knew Rose will remember her devotion to her family, her strong faith,
her generous spirit, and the love she poured into the home she created. Her
family will forever treasure the many memories made around her table and in her
home—the laughter, celebrations, stories, traditions, and everyday moments that
became a lifetime of happy memories.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter’s Church, 85 S. Maple Street in
Vergennes on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 2 PM; with burial to follow in St.
Peter’s Cemetery. Friends may gather at St. Peter’s Parish Hall at 1 p.m. prior to
the service. Visitation will be at Brown-McClay Funeral Home (48 S. Maple
Street, Vergennes) on Friday, September 4 from 6-8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Addison County Home
Health and Hospice (achhh.org, PO Box 754, Middlebury, VT 05753) or American
Cancer Society (cancer.org, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741, or The
Vergennes Fire Department for support and improvements (Stevens Hose Company,
PO Box 224, Vergennes, VT 05491).
Rose’s family would like to thank the staff at The Residence at Otter Creek for
their care and friendship. We are also grateful for the support of the Hospice
Team at Addison County Home Health & Hospice.
Rose’s greatest legacy is the family she loved so deeply. Though she will be
dearly missed, her love will live on in the many lives she touched and in the
generations of her family who will carry her memory forward. Her home may be
quiet now, but the love, laughter, and happy times she created there will remain
in the hearts of her family forever.
