Claudette Desrosiers

MILLBURY -  Claudette (Potvin) Desrosiers, 74, passed on Thursday, August 30, after more than a two and a half year battle with cancer.  She fought valiantly, beyond medical expectations, bonding with her grandchildren and sharing the last years with her loving children and husband.  Although Claudette shunned attention, she was the most welcoming and delightful person to be around.  Anyone who got to know her was drawn by her compassion, by her genuine concern, and by her loving nature.  To know Claudette was to love her.

She leaves her beloved husband, Roger, after 41 years of marriage, her daughters, Danielle and her partner, Scott Roberge and Michelle and her husband Joe Polissack and her grandchildren, Brodie and Kinsley.  She leaves her brother, Alfred R. Potvin and his wife, Jan, and her mother-in-law, Claire Desrosiers.  She also leaves many cousins, in particular, Jeanne Corrao who walked with her during her ordeal, and many friends and family who cherished many moments with her.  Claudette was predeceased by her parents, Alfred A. Potvin and Jacqueline (Morin) Potvin.

Claudette was a graduate of North High School in Worcester. She received an associate's degree from Salter Secretarial School. Prior to her marriage, she was a legal secretary for several law firms in Worcester. She raised both daughters into their teens and then worked as a teacher’s aide for kindergartners and pre-school children in the Millbury and in the Northbridge Public Schools where she retired after 14 years. Her passion was working with several special needs students whom she assisted and cherished. She also had a fierce love of animals, the ocean, the mountains, and everything in nature.

Her family wishes to thank her doctor, Dr. Bradley Switzer, the nurses and staff at UMass Memorial and Reliant, and also the VNA Services, in particular Michelle Bowles and Susan Hanson who assisted her in her final months, all of whom helped Claudette navigate this two and a half year fight.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Massachusetts Center for Civic Education, at the Millbury Savings Bank, 109 Elm Street, Millbury MA 01527. This civic education non-profit organization was a passion for both Claudette and her husband.

Friends and family are invited to a celebration of life on Sunday, Sept. 23rd from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Asa Waters Mansion, 123 Elm Street in Millbury.