St. Johnsbury Centervale Cemetery
News from the Cemetery Commission
Some news from the St. Johnsbury Cemetery Commission:
The Town of St. Johnsbury has recently assumed governance of the Centervale Cemetery. Due to inconsistent records from previous management, some burial plots within the cemetery may be unmarked or have incomplete documentation. With this issue in mind, we are currently unable to sell lots in Centervale Cemetery. The Town plans to resume sales in the spring of 2026. The Town will work this fall and next spring to improve the cemetery records including all deeds distributed. While the town now retains ownership of the land, the deed grants the purchaser the right to use the land for burial purposes and a deed is strong evidence of that right.
If you or your family have a deed, or any documentation – like a will or trust - verifying ownership of an unmarked plot in the Centervale Cemetery, please contact the Town's Sexton, Karen Budde at 802 397-1087. Plot owners are asked to schedule an appointment with the Sexton to present their documentation and help verify plot ownership. The priority for the Town's Sexton and the family is to verify the exact location of that plot within the cemetery. The cemetery has rules and regulations concerning the type, size, and installation of markers, and the Sexton can guide the family through this process. The possibility of a previous, unrecorded burial in an identified plot also exists. The Town asks that any family that is aware of an unmarked grave contact the Sexton.
This collaborative effort will help update and maintain accurate cemetery records, ensuring proper care and respect for all burial sites within this space. Your cooperation is appreciated in helping manage and preserve this important part of the Town's history.
