Blanche M. (Levasseur) Dufour,
wife of Robert Dufour, passed away at Kaplan Family Hospice House,
Danvers, February 26, 2011 after a long battle with heart and lung
disease.
A lifelong
resident of Salem and a graduate of Salem schools, Blanche was the
daughter of Benjamin and Rose (Leclair) Levasseur. She was the wife
of Robert Dufour for 64 years. Their lives revolved around each
other and the three children they raised together. Blanche was
always “Ma” or “Grammy” and she will be greatly missed.
Mrs. Dufour was
an avid reader and loved to garden. She always took pride in her
vegetables and flowers. In her later years, Blanche volunteered at
the Bedford VA Hospital for many years working for and with
hospitalized veterans. She was received numerous awards and in 1972
a testimonial banquet was held in her honor at Caruso’s Diplomat in
Saugus. Officials from Federal, State, and City government attended
along with 400 people.
After Robert
retired, Blanche and Robert did some traveling and always enjoyed
their monthly trip to Foxwoods Casino with their friends. Due to
failing health, Blanche spent the rest of her days in quiet
retirement.
She is survived
by her husband, Robert, a son, Philip and his wife Dolores of
Virginia, two daughters, Clare and her husband Albert Nadeau of
Lynn, and Susan and her life partner James Marshall of Middleton,
four grandchildren; Brian Dufour and his wife Carrie of CA, Cathie
and her husband John Wisnes of Weymouth, Amie Nadeau of Lynn, and
Steven and Julie Nadeau of NC, and two great-grandchildren; Jack and
Gracie Dufour of CA. Along with her parents, Blanche was predeceased
by her sisters Ida and Bertha and her brother Robert.
Relatives and
friends are invited to a funeral mass in Ste. Anne Church, Jefferson
Ave, Salem, Wednesday at 10
a.m. Visiting hours will be in the Berube
and Sons Funeral Home, 191 Lafayette St. (Rt. 1A/114) Salem on
Tuesday from 3 to 7 p.m. Burial will be private. Memorial
contributions may be made to the North Shore Feline Rescue, P.O. Box
1263, Middleton, MA 01949
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