Jean (LaForest) Arsenault of New Bedford died peacefully on Monday May 22nd at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford. She was the beloved wife of the late Stephen Arsenault. Born in Plymouth, MA on November 25, 1946, daughter of the late Paul and Elizabeth (Lafferty) LaForest, she was educated in New Bedford and a graduate of Holy Family High School. She went on to attend and graduate from Kinyon – Campbell Business School. Jean was a longtime employee of the Diocese of Fall River as Assistant Director of the Pro-Life Apostolate.
Jean is survived by her daughter Kathryn (Kate) Arsenault of New Bedford. Also survived by her sisters, Elizabeth Funicella and her husband Gino of Jackson NH., Francine LaForest of New Bedford, and her brother Paul Martin LaForest of Bainbridge GA. She also leaves behind her sister in law Judith Sciuto of Dartmouth, and her brother in law Thomas Arsenault and his wife Beverly. Also survived by several beloved nieces, a nephew, and all of “her kids”, who thought of her as their second Mom who possessed the world’s wisest and most humorous advice. Not to be forgotten are her two little “cheerios” Gatsby and Fritz, who were faithful companions during the past few years.
Visiting hours in the Saunders–Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park Street, New Bedford on Thursday May 25th from 4-7 pm. Funeral Mass on Friday May 26th at 10:00 am in St. Julie Billiart Church, 494 Slocum Rd., Dartmouth. Burial in South Dartmouth Cemetery.