MIDDLEBURY Marie K. Highter In the early dawn hours of May 5, 2009, Marie Highter gently passed from this world into the Lord's waiting arms. She was born in St. Vincent, Ark. on May 10, 1920 to Henry and Bertha Kaufman and was a graduate of St. Vincent's Academy. In 1940, she met Robert Highter in Washington, D.C. and they married June 29, 1946. Together, they raised six children on South Munger Street in Middlebury. Following Bob's death in 1975, Marie found strength and courage in her deep Faith in Christ and continued to share her life and wisdom with her children. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Middlebury. Throughout her life, Marie enjoyed various employment, especially her work at the Vermont State Craft Center, but found her greatest gift was nurturing her grandchildren. She enjoyed her many travels to Hawaii, Alaska, Germany, Paris, Rome and beyond. Marie was a compassionate mother and grandmother and loved gardening, the mountain views from her deck and she anxiously awaited the return of her bluebirds each spring. Later in life, Marie found great pride and pleasure in operating her bed and breakfast, "A Point of View", and enjoyed welcoming travelers from around the world into her warm and comforting home. She was a wonderful hostess and continued opening her home to guests until the time of her passing. Marie is survived by her beloved family; constant daily confidant and sister Betty Thines: brother and sister-in-law Leo and Beth Kaufman; as well as sistersin-law Margaret, Theresa and Lou Kaufman; and many nieces and nephews all of Arkansas. She is also survived by her devoted children and their spouses: Ron and Mary Ann Highter of Salisbury, Jer Highter and Annapurna Rosalli of Ripton, Ray Highter of Middlebury, Al Highter and Madeleine Quesnel of New Haven, Donna and Rene Audet of Cornwall and Deb and Rich Dessureault of New Haven; also, her treasured grandchildren Carla, Josh, Erin, Jared, Eric, Tylor, Dylan and Sierra and greatgranddaughter Isabelle. In additiion to her husband, she was predeceased by her parents and brothers Fred, Ben, Carl, Clem, Louis, Herman and Floyd. Her family wishes to extend gratitude to Dr. Smith, Dr. Holmes and the devoted staff at Porter Hospital and Helen Porter Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center for their sensitivity and compassion and for allowing her large family the privacy to be constantly by her side. Also, to Marie's many faithful friends and neighbors, you were truly a blessing to her. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 13 at St. Mary's Church, Middlebury. Interment will follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetary. In lieu of flowers, her family requests those wishing to make donations to St. Mary's Church or St. Mary's School, Shannon St., Middlebury, VT. With strength and guidance, she was the anchor of our family. Her presence enriched all who knew and loved her and she will be deeply missed. God Bless you Mom, Rest in Peace.