Marie Jeanne Richard, 89, of Naugatuck formerly East Hartford wife of the late France Richard, passed away September 26, 2018 at Saint Francis Hospital. Marie Jeanne was born August 21, 1929 in Dupuis Corner, New Brunswick, Canada to the late Patrick Fougere and Melende Leblanc. Growing up on a farm, Marie Jeanne was a caregiver helping her sisters with their families; she was also known for her intelligence, her kindness, sense of humor and her quick wit. She completed an 8th grade education in a one room school house in Canada. She worked very hard and was proud to have received her GED high school diploma in East Hartford.
Marie Jeanne met the love of her life, a handsome man by the name of France Richard. She was working at a factory in Toronto, where she met Zita, France’s sister and she introduced them and it was love at first sight. They were married shortly after on June 12, 1954. France, Marie Jeanne and their 4 children and one on the way moved to Connecticut where they had 1 more child to complete their family. She was so well loved that when she moved to Connecticut in 1962 she immediately made friends that soon became family. Her children heard from many over the past few days how sweet and loving she was and how greatly she will be missed.
Marie Jeanne was a bookkeeper for Tupperware for over 20 years; she retired in 1991 to spend more time with her grandchildren. She was very involved in Blessed Sacrament church, Ladies Guild and their Caregiver’s Club. She was a remarkable singer; she loved to sing in her church choir. She loved to dance; Country Line dancing was her favorite. She will be fondly remembered for the incredible flower garden she kept. She had a passion for flowers and it showed. She also enjoyed taking a good selfie. She thought they were the cats’ pajamas.
Even though she is gone, Marie Jeanne’s story will live on through her children; 3 daughters Nicole Cangemi and her husband Charlie of Middletown, Rose Dudgeon and her husband Jim of New Britain, Donna O’Brien of Terryville, and Marie Jeanne’s son David Richard and his girlfriend Robin Stasko of Windsor Locks. Her sister Maria Landry, New Brunswick, Canada. She also leaves behind her daughter-in-law Phyllis Roux of Plymouth and son-in-law Mark Blain of Colchester. She will be greatly missed by her 10 grandchildren Kevin Cangemi, Jason Dudgeon, Jennifer Blain, Sarah Blain, Michelle O’Brien, James Dudgeon, Jeffrey O’Brien, Kimberly O’Brien, Jay Roux, and Kelly Roux, 2 great-grandchildren, Alexander Blain and Jackson Dudgeon. She is predeceased by her son Bernard Richard and her daughter Diane Blain. She will also be greatly missed by all the people whose life she touched.
Calling hours for Marie Jeanne will be held Monday October 1, 2018 from 4-7PM at Benjamin J. Callahan Funeral Home located at 318 Burnside Ave. East Hartford CT, 06108. Services will be held 10AM on Tuesday October 2, 2018 at Our Lady of Peace Church 370 May Rd., East Hartford CT 06118 followed by a committal service at Silver Lane Cemetery. If you would like to make a donation in Marie Jeanne’s name, please consider Trinity Health of New England at Home P.O. Box 1199 Enfield, CT 06082.
