Annette Theresa Beaulieu

BELCHERTOWN – Annette Theresa Beaulieu, known as Mémé to most who knew her, passed away at the age of 96 on Feb. 5, 2022. She died at home in Belchertown, surrounded by family, sunlight, and music. Annette was born in Holyoke on Sept. 22, 1925, to the late Armand Gagnon and Rita (Archambeault) Gagnon. Annette lived a modest, simple, and devoted life. Much of her youth was spent helping her mother care for her brother who had Leukemia or helping her grandfather in his corner market in Holyoke. In her spare time, she loved visiting Old Orchard Beach with her neighborhood friends, and roller skating on Saturday night. She met her husband Normand Beaulieu at the roller rink when she was a vibrant 19 year old. She and Normand married in 1949, after he returned from a Navy service tour in World War II. As a couple, the two were active at the Immaculate Conception Church and the Patty Squares square dance club. They spent most of their life in Holyoke, where they had their three children. Annette worked at Acme Chain for decades as an assembler. She was a devout catholic who found meaning and community through her church. Annette loved to host her entire family on Sunday nights for dinner, where children and grandchildren would eagerly gather to share a meal. Annette spent many happy vacations on bus tours of the USA. Annette enjoyed the simple moments in life, playing bingo every week with her friends, taking her grandchildren to church, and relaxing by the pool. During her later years, there was no place that Annette would rather be than home for the day, and we are happy to finally say—yes Mémé, not only are you home for the day, but you are now home for eternity. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Normand, of 57 years, her siblings Cecile, Eugene and Raymond Gagnon. She is survived by her children Ronald Beaulieu, Diane Genie, and Denise Smith, all of Belchertown. She is also survived by her grandchildren Daniel Genie, Janine Beaulieu, Jillian Smith, Jeffery Beaulieu, and Olivia Smith; great grand children Cameron Genie, Aaron Genie, Arianna Beaulieu, Brennan Cochran, and Ascher Beaulieu and her sister Lucille Paul of Westfield. The family wishes to thank her longtime caregivers Brenda Archambeault, Amy Roman, and Lynn Casimiro, and the caring staff of Cooley Dickinson hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the United Mitochondria Disease Foundation at 8085 Saltsburg Road, Suite 201, Pittsburgh, PA 15239, or Cooley Dickinson Hospice at 168 Industrial Drive, Northampton, MA 01060. Visitation will be Saturday, February 12, 2022 at Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home, 10 Maple St. from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. followed by Annette's Liturgy of Christian Burial beginning at 11:00am in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 24 Jabish St, Belchertown. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.