Gemma Proteau

Gemma Giselle Proteau, age 83, wife of Luc Norman Proteau, daughter of Cleophas Lapointe and Juliette Morin, passed away with family by her side on July 27, 2024. Gemma was born in Quebec, Canada, and made the United States her home in 1966.

She raised two children, Daniel Ghislain Proteau (1965-2023) and Diane Proteau Rand, in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. She served the Old Saybrook community throughout her life through her service to St. John's parish and as head cook and manager of the cafeteria at the Goodwin Elementary School. Her infectious smile and generous heart were a blessing to all who knew her, and the gift of her life was a testament to how she treasured family and the value of unheralded acts of kindness and service.

She will be dearly missed by her daughter, Diane, and son-in-law, Dale Rand, her grandchildren: Ashley Proteau-Neely and her husband John Neely, Joshua David Proteau and his wife Jessica Proteau, Elizabeth Joy Proteau, Mary Anne Proteau and her husband, Nathan Hunsaker, and Hannah Proteau; her great-grandchildren Rizwaan Abbott, Ryder Proteau and Parker Proteau; her very large and beloved extended family of brothers and sisters, their precious spouses and children; her many kind friends, and her dear neighbors.

Calling hours will be at Swan Funeral Home in Old Saybrook on Wednesday July 31st from 4-7pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. John's Church in Old Saybrook on Thursday, August 1st at 11:00am. A reception at Luigi's Restaurant in Old Saybrook will follow.