SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – Jill Marie Stebbins, 64, of Springfield, Vt., passed away unexpectedly at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025. She was born on March 25, 1961, to Donald and Margaret (Bissonnette) Nowers.
Starting at a young age, Jill was a woman dealt an unfair hand. Through struggling with mental illness, trauma, and the stigma of society, she continued to be a gentle and selfless soul. She was a disabled veteran, who loved donating to animal rescues all over the U.S. She loved God and her Catholic faith strongly. She enjoyed reading devotionals, taking care of her many animals, and taking pride in being a loving mother and Gammy. Highlights of her years include being on the Alumni Court and float, Class of 1979, loving memories with childhood cousins from Vermont to Tennessee, and rescuing and rehabilitating countless animals along the way, specifically dogs from kill shelters. While there were many versions of Jill we all knew, some often misunderstood, one thing that remained clear was that she always put others first. Those who truly knew her knew she had a heart of gold, and her love, persistence, and generosity will surely be missed.
She is survived by her parents, her children Janice Nowers and Josh Stebbins (Ashlynn Pellerin), her spouse Lawrence Stebbins, son-in-law Chaz Evans, and her grandchildren Bristol and Hudson, whom she held dear to her heart, as well as a brother Donald Nowers Jr. and his extended family.
Jill is predeceased by her son Jesse and grandson Grady.
Help us honor her memory by donating to humane societies near and far, and continuing to treat everyone, especially those with differences, with kindness.
Friends and family may gather on Thursday, Sept. 4 from 4-6 p.m., at Davis Memorial Chapel for calling hours. A funeral service will be held at on Friday, Sept. 5, at 4 p.m., at Davis Memorial Chapel.