Claudette Sortino, 79, of South Ryegate, VT and formerly of Media, PA passed away peacefully on Tuesday November 16, 2021, surrounded by her family after a long illness. Claudette was born in Pawtucket, RI. She attended St. John the Baptist Academy in Pawtucket and, after graduating from Anna Maria College in Paxton, MA in 1964, joined the Peace Corps where she served for 3 years in Orissa Provence, India. After the Peace Corps and teaching, she began a 30-year career in women's health with Johnson & Johnson. Claudette was the first female sales representative for their Ortho Pharmaceutical division, a pioneering businesswoman in a field dominated by men.

Claudette served on the local school board and township counsel in Middletown, Pa.  After moving to Vermont, she continued to pursue her passion for public service. She served on the South Ryegate Select Board and ran unsuccessfully for State Representative in Caledonia-1. She was a long-time member of the League of Women Voters, representing Central Vermont on the leadership team.

Her passions were travel and politics. She traveled extensively to China, Italy, Scandinavia, Switzerland, Wales and her beloved France. She was very proud of her French heritage and loved visiting the town of LaRochelle where one Huguenot ancestor originated.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Albert A. Sortino, brothers Russell Renaud and Paul F. Renaud, her cousin Denise Morel, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother Stella E. and father Ronald A. Renaud and her brother Robert W. Renaud.  Those who wish may make donations in lieu of flowers to the Central Vermont Human Society, 1589 Rte 14, East Montpielier, VT 05651

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday November 22, 2021, at 11AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Pine St. Woodsville, NH.  Burial will take place in Pennsylvania at the convenience of the family.