Channa Hope Guinard

Born in Fall River a daughter of the late Norman and JoAnn (McCartney) Guinard, she resided in Fitchburg, New Bedford, and finally Fall River.

Channa’s legacy does not just stop with all the selfless work she did in the community, she was a loving mother, a caring sister, and a devoted grandmother. She is survived by her eldest son Rekein Dean, and his partner Erin Call of Kelsyville CA., her adoring daughter Liara Dean and her finance Johnathan Leveseque, and their daughter, Channa’s only grandchild Anabela Leveseque of Ashburnham MA, her youngest son Octavio Plasse, and his partner Victoria LoRicco of Barre MA. her younger sister Ina Guinard, Ina’s wife Felicia, and their two children Liandra and Diandra Boddie of Leominster MA., and last but certainly not least, her partner in crime, her beloved dog “Prince” Rocky Guinard.

A graduate of Fitchburg High School, she later received a Hair Stylists Certification, and was attending The School of Ministry in order to further her career with the church. Her title as the Urban Outreach Minister of The First Baptist Church of Fall River, was a role with heavy responsibility. She was passionate about helping those that seemed helpless and developed the Building Bridges program that brought both The First Baptist Church of Fall River, and the First Christian Congregational Church of Fall River together to aid all of those in need. She devoted her life to the service of the needy, and boldly accepted the challenge. She founded The Clothing Ministry, The Community Service Program, and The Warming Center, just to name a few.

Channa had a relationship with God that we all would admire, she lived a very humble life, and saw beauty in everything around her. She was the kind of person who often took the time to smell the flowers and breathe in the scenery. She loved music, especially her first love Prince, anyone who knows her, knows that she would not leave the house without stopping at Dunks for an iced coffee or three. Her laugh was contagious, and she always found a way to find the good in every terrible situation. She loved the ocean, and gazing at the moon, and she spent many hours playing video games with her family. Her final wish was to donate her organs and use her life to perpetuate life and love to others. She will be eternally remembered and missed dearly.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday May 26 at 2:00 PM in First Baptist Church, 228 North Main Street, Fall River. Contributions in her honor may be made to Steppingstone Incorporated, 466 North Main Street, Fall River, MA 02720, www.steppingstoneinc.org.