Anita M. (Ouellette) Pelletier 77 of Salem died unexpectedly Tuesday, June 18, 2013 at the Aviv Center for Living in Peabody. She was the devoted wife of the late Real Pelletier.
Born and raised in Salem, she was the daughter of the late William J. and Alice G. (Theriault) Ouellette. As a young woman, Anita first worked in the offices of Steine & Webster in Boston. Following her marriage to Real, she devoted her love and time to her husband and growing family. She also made the time to be a foster parent for many infants and toddlers for Catholic Charities for many years.
First diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, in the early 1970’s, Anita lived a courageous and independent life for many years. In 2002 she required more care and became a resident of Jewish Rehabilitation Center in Swampscott. It was during her residency that she cared for the center’s interior plants and vegetable and flower gardens and earned the affectionate title of ‘Swampscott’s Green Goddess’. A remarkable woman, she was out-going, gracious and grateful to all who knew and loved her.
Anita was a long time member of Ste. Anne Parish and the League of Catholic Women as well as a member of Les Dames de la Ste. Famille of the former St. Joseph Parish both of Salem.
She is survived by three sons, Normand R. Pelletier and his wife Cathy of Bridgeton, ME, Kenneth J. Pelletier and his wife Kimberly of Denmark, ME, Daniel R. Pelletier and his wife Lisa of Salem, two daughters, Janice A. Pelletier of Salem, Elaine M. Bonaiuto and her husband Joseph of Beverly, a daughter-in-law Vickie Pelletier of Salem and a brother Armand Ouellette of Bedford. She also leaves eight grandchildren, Danielle, Nicole, Stephanie, Nathan, Grace, Tricia, Ashley & Jacob, a great-granddaughter, Emily as well as several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the Levesque Funeral Home, 163 Lafayette St., Salem [Rt. 114 / 1-A] on Monday, June 24, 2013 at 7:45 A.M to be followed by her funeral mass in Ste. Anne Church, 290 Jefferson Ave., Salem at 9:00 A.M. Visiting hours will be on Sunday 2:00 to 6:00 P.M. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, NY, NY 10018. Tel 1-800-457-6676.
For guestbook and additional information please visit www.LevesqueFunerals.com