Nicole Duchesneau

Nicole “Niki” Maria (Mazzaferro) Duchesneau, 55, of Ashford, and formerly East Hartford passed away at her home on July 3, 2018, with her husband Thomas Duchesneau by her side. She was the devoted and loving wife for over 25 years.

Nicole was born in Hartford on March 30, 1963, daughter of Albert and Gloria (Calabrese) Mazzaferro. A 1981 graduate of Penney HS she also earned her Bachelor’s degree from University of Hartford and Master’s degree from UConn and was a RN & APRN at Hartford Hospital for 28 years. Nicole had a passion for helping and healing others. She had a knack for getting things done and even organized her 35th Reunion 3 years ago. God blessed Nicole with many gifts: the mind of a genius, a generous heart and a wonderful sense of humor. During her darkest hours she never once complained and lived her life with dignity until the end.

As a young girl she was a tremendous athlete and was one of the first females to play hardball in the East Hartford Pony League. During high school Nicole was a varsity athlete in Softball and was Captain of the Swim/Dive team. Tap & Jazz dance was also a passion as she took lessons and taught dance for 40 years and danced as recently as 3 years ago. She was gifted in needlework bestowing them as gifts to the ones she loved. She was also a lover of animals especially the 3 cats she had over the years Chardonnay, Zinfandel and Princess.

Besides her husband Thomas, Nicole is survived by her mother Gloria Mazzaferro(Calabrese) of South Windsor, her father Albert and his partner Annette Nerine of Ashford, her brothers, Paul Mazzaferro of Vernon and Michael Mazzaferro and his wife Danielle of Madison. She is also survived by brothers in law Frank Duchesneau of California and Mark Duchesneau of Ansonia, a sister in law Marie Gist of Enfield as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday from 3:30pm-6:30pm at D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter St., East Hartford. A Memorial service will celebrated on Monday evening at 6:30pm at the conclusion of the calling hours. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to HDSA (Huntington’s Disease Society of America), 505 Eighth Avenue, Suite 902, New York, NY 10018 in honor of her valiant battle.

To leave a message of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com