Colette Suzanne Pare

Colette S. (Dion) Pare, 84, of East Hartford, loving wife of 62 years of Michael T. Pare, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Born in Compton, Quebec, Canada on April 27, 1941, a daughter of the late Leopold and Jeannette (Gagne) Dion, she had been a resident of East Hartford for the past 52 years.

A devout catholic, Colette was a longtime communicant of St. Christopher Church in East Hartford. Prior to her retirement, she was a Nurse’s Aide on the third shift for 31 years at Greenwood Nursing Home in Hartford. Colette had a “green thumb” who was an avid gardener and took great pride in her floral gardens around her yard. She was a fan of the UConn women’s basketball team and a loyal animal lover. She also enjoyed traveling with her husband throughout the United States and going back to Canada to visit family. Most of all, she was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who cherished her time with every member of her family.

Colette is survived by two daughters, Linda Grimard and her husband Bruno of Vernon, Nathalie Laprise and her husband Real of East Hartford; a son, Michael Pare and his significant other Paula Mastrianni of Plantsville; two younger brothers, Claude Dion and his wife Constance, Michel Dion and his partner Jacinthe all of Quebec, Canada; a brother-in-law, Hamilton Pare and his wife Nicole of Quebec, Canada; six special grandchildren; two adored great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Funeral service will be Saturday, May 2, 2026 with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10 am at St. Christopher Church of North American Martyrs Parish, 538 Brewer Street, East Hartford. Private burial will be held at the convenience of Colette’s family. There are no calling hours. Everyone is asked to please go directly to the church on the morning of the funeral. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Colette’s name may be made to Protectors of Animals, 144 Main Street, Suite O, East Hartford, CT 06118. The D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford has been entrusted with the care of the funeral arrangements. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com