Celia Hackett

Celia Hinman Hackett passed away peacefully in her home on April 25th, surrounded by family. Celia was born on March 24th, 1938, and raised in Greensboro, VT with her 7 siblings. At 19, she married her husband Reynold (Ron), and they spent the next 67 years raising a family and growing a business. They began their life together in Essex, VT before moving to South Hero in 1967 where they remained. Together they had two daughters and built one of the most popular apple orchards in Vermont, Hackett’s Orchard. During the orchards early years, Celia was heavily involved overseeing the wholesale business, picking, and grading apples, and raising their two daughters all while Ron worked off the farm.

Celia was a beloved and devoted wife, mother, sister, and grandmother. Ron and Celia were very involved in the lives of their grandchildren, always making sure they never went without. She devoted her later years to them and could often be found on the sidelines of an athletic game, chauffeuring them to and from school events, or waiting in the crowd with a bouquet of fresh tulips, cut from her garden. She spent many patient hours teaching all of them invaluable life lessons. She was influential in helping them become the individuals they are today.

In the little spare time, she had she enjoyed cooking and gardening. She was a master gardener and was always willing to give gardening advice to friends. You could always count on her to have a fresh loaf of bread in the kitchen as well as homemade applesauce. In high school, she and her twin sister, Delia, dominated the defensive side of the basketball court, seldom letting the ball by the dynamic duo. She enjoyed swimming, and during the winter months, ice skating and cross-country skiing.

She is survived by her loving husband Ron, daughters Debbie and Jill, 7 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. All of whom will miss her dearly. She is predeceased by her mother, father, and siblings. 

We would like to extend a sincere thank you to all the nurses and the hospice team involved in Celia’s care with special recognition to three caregivers, Hannah, Kate, and Val. 

In honor of her wishes, there will be no funeral services. A small family burial will be held at a future date. 

Celia cherished her community and the organizations that helped make South Hero so great. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to CIDER or South Hero Rescue or plant a flower in your own garden in Celia’s memory.