Pomfret, Vermont

Daphne Pike Gratiot passed away in her sleep Saturday morning, February 13, 2016, after a brief illness. She will be remembered for her diverse talents and interests, from the arts and horticulture, to her passionate activism for community and state-wide political, social and environmental causes.

Born in New York City on October 24, 1925, to her parents, Constance and Harvey Pike, Daphne attended the Brearley school in New York, Garrison Forest School in Maryland and Barnard College back in New York. She met her future husband, Peter Gratiot, while skiing at Stowe. She and Peter were married November 22, 1947 and moved to Woodstock in 1953.

Daphne was an avid sports enthusiast who enjoyed skiing, riding, playing tennis and walking the trails of her beloved farm. She became active in the town of Pomfret serving as Town Meeting Moderator, School Meeting Moderator, as well as serving as a lister for almost 20 years. She was the creator and editor of the Pomfret Post newsletter, that served to get information, as well as a few politically inspired thoughts, out to the Pomfret voters.

In addition, Daphne had a green thumb, and enjoyed gardening, designing and maintaining many flower beds, building stone walls, and creating many bonsai plants using everything from Maple and Birch Trees to Azaelias. She also enjoyed sculpting and sewing, both of which came in handy when she worked on costume design for many plays put on in the Woodstock Town Hall Theater by the Weston Players.

Daphne served on the Board of the Ottaquechee Health Center and led the fundraising campaign that built the new Ottaquechee Health Center building. She also served as a WISE volunteer, and was a Board member of the Spring Lake Ranch in Cuttingsville, Vermont.

Daphne was predeceased by her husband, Peter, and is survived by her four children, John and wife Kathy, Alex, Nina and husband Gordon, Dan and wife Arshia, four grandchildren and two great-grand children. In accordance with Daphne's wishes, there will be no calling hours or service. In recognition of her love for reading, Memorial contributions can be made to the Abbott Memorial Library in Pomfret, Vermont.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock, VT an on line guest book can be found at cabotfh.com