Paulette Burnes

Paulette Burnes, aged 83, of New Bedford, Ma, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Sept 8, 2025.

Paulette was born on Aug 2,1942 to Evelyn and Gaston Loranger. She often described her childhood as “magical”, spending her summers at the family cottage on Long Pond in Lakeville surrounded by cousins and friends. She attended St. Anne’s primary school, followed by St.Anthony’s High School in New Bedford. She then went on to study at Rivier College in New Hampshire where she graduated with a Bachelor’s in Microbiology and Chemistry. She was working as a lab technologist when she met the love of her life, Larry, on a blind date in 1966. It was a quick courtship and they “sealed the deal” three months later, because “when you know, you know”.

She was an avid crafter with a love of sewing, quilt-making, cake-decorating, and cooking, and let’s not forget shopping with her grandkids at Kmart and “playing the slots”. She enjoyed working at Gilbert Costa Insurance from 1985 until 2004. She was a dedicated friend, mother, memere, and sister with the exceptional quality of listening with an attentive and understanding ear. She was generous beyond measure with a wonderful sense of humor.

She is survived by her loving husband Larry, her three children, Lee Burnes and his wife Laurie, Allan Burnes and his wife Liz, and Lynn Nicol and her husband Peter. She leaves behind 9 grandchildren: Taylor, Adam, Amanda, Emily, Aileen, Olivia, Julia, Grace, and Jack. She is also survived by her devoted siblings Connie Yates and husband Raymond, Charles Loranger and wife Michelle, and Lionel Loranger and wife Lynda. She also leaves behind several beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Viewing services are Friday Sept 12th 4pm-7pm at Rock Funeral Home.

A funeral mass will be held on Sept 13th at 9am at St. Gabriel’s Church in New Bedford. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to attend and celebrate Paulette’s life.

Flowers are welcome or donations to Community Nurse Home Care, as they provided wonderful, caring hospice services.