HARDWICK — Jeannette Ann Brochu, 94, of Hardwick, passed away peacefully on April 4, in the comforting presence of her family.
Jeannette was born on September 26, 1930, in Greensboro, the third child of Rosabelle and Joseph Brochu. She grew up in The Bend with her three brothers. Jeannette attended Greensboro High School and graduated in 1948.
She met her husband, Michael Brochu, after graduating high school. Their early years together were spent on the farm on Bridgman Hill in Hardwick before they bought their forever home in the village, and raised eight children. Their home was always a welcome and bustling hub for their ever-growing family. Jeannette and Michael traveled to many places over the years, and Jeannette continued to travel to various locations after Michael’s death.
When Michael passed away in 1994, Jeannette found her way to becoming a strong matriarch. She continued to play a valuable role in the lives of her 12 grandchildren (and later, 13 great-grandchildren), nurturing them and sharing her generosity and wisdom.
Jeannette was a devout member of St. Norbert’s Church in Hardwick, a member of the Catholic Daughters, and taught Catechism for many years. She was a fierce bingo player, somehow managing 18 cards at the same time and raking in her wins. Jeannette was a wonderful gardener bringing plants back to life and growing beautiful flowers in her gardens. When the church’s annual Christmas Bazaar rolled around, Jeannette baked all kinds of treats and fried hundreds of donuts. Oh, the donuts!
Jeannette was a true fixture of her community. Running errands with her was an event–whether to the market, the bank, the library, or anywhere else in town, there were always people to run into and chat with–sometimes in English, and sometimes in Canadian French. Always generous with her time, she could often be found cooking and delivering meals for others, volunteering at the local food shelf, visiting her boys at their shops, and all with a couple grandkids in tow.
Remaining to cherish Jeannette’s memory are her children and families: Andre Brochu (Lulu), Michelyne LaRoche (Richie), Laurence Brochu (Jo-Ann), Thomas Brochu (Lynn), Michael Brochu (Sally), Bernard Brochu (Nancy), and daughter-in-law Marsha Kallahan; grandchildren, Ashley (Phil), Bridget, Ben (Darci), Andrea (Mike), Amanda (Keith), Brad (Kristen), Chelsea (Liz), Joe (Jenni), Monique, Nick, Jillian and Carter; great-grandchildren, Colleen, Molly, Elliot, Aubrie, Landon, Amelia, Austin, Jace, Nash, Riley, Madelyn, Jaxson and Barrett; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many extended branches of the Brochu family.
Jeannette is predeceased by her husband, Michael; sons, Richard and Charles; her parents; brothers, Red, Albert and John; her special aunt, Hazel; and many dear friends.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 10, from 5 to 7 p.m., at des Groseilliers Funeral Home, 97 Church Street, Hardwick. A funeral mass for Jeannette will be held on Friday, April 11, at 11 a.m., at St. Norbert’s Church in Hardwick. A graveside service will be held at Fairview Cemetery later in the Spring.
A special thank you to the caring teams at Craftsbury Community Care Center and Greensboro Nursing Home. Memorial donations in Jeannette’s name may be made to: Craftsbury Community Care Center, Craftsbury or St. Norbert’s Church, Hardwick.
