Barbara M. Bissonnette

Barbara Boudreau Bissonnette, 94 CLEARWATER – Barbara M. Boudreau Bissonnette passed away peacefully on February 16, 2017. Born in Freeport, N.Y. on May 6, 1922, Barbara was always a joy to be around and loved to be of service to others, even to her final days. Barbara received her Bachelor of Education degree from Keene Teachers College (now Keene State College) in Keene, NH. She then taught for 14 years in Laconia, NH and Woonsocket, RI before moving to Clearwater, FL in 1965 where she continued to teach at Ponce de Leon Elementary School for 20 years before retiring. Barbara was an active member of the Florida Retired Educators Association and in 2010 was honored as the Volunteer of the Year by District 6 – North Pinellas County Retired Educators Association. She was a long-time and active member of Light of Christ Catholic Church, being involved as a Eucharistic Minister, a member of the Council of Catholic Women, the Women’s Guild, Hi-Liters, Holy Family Circle, the Samaritans Ministry, Abraham Angels, the Stewardship Committee, and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. She was also a regular volunteer in the Catholic Resource Center, with bingo, and at Sunset Point Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. In 2007 Bishop Robert Lynch conferred upon her the St. Jude the Apostle Medal, recognizing her for distinguished and outstanding service to her parish. Barbara was an accomplished tennis player having participated in the US National Senior Olympics in 1991. She was also a member of the Women’s Golf League at Pinecrest Golf Club in Largo. Barbara is survived by three sons: James Bissonnette, (wife Linda), granddaughters Susan (husband Fernando) and Tina (great-granddaughter Lyndsey); Thomas Bissonnette, (partner Ray); and Stephen Bissonnette, (wife Kim). A viewing will be held at 9:30 am on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at Light of Christ Catholic Church, 2176 Marilyn Street, in Clearwater. A Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 am. After Mass her body will be laid to rest at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park Cemetery. A donation to Light of Christ Catholic Church, or the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (www.svdpccsp.org) which serves those in need, may be made in lieu of flowers. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.sylvanabbey.com.