Anita (Balles) Duchesne, 91, of Manchester, died February 15, 2011. She was born in Manchester, November 6, 1919, to John and Beatrice(Tanguay) Belos.
She received her early education in Manchester, and had worked at the former Pandora Industries and J.F. McElwain shoe company. Most recently she had served as a volunteer at Catholic Medical Center.
She was a member of Red Sox nation.
IN HER LIFE: Our mom was an absolute blessing to our family and her friends. She will be terribly missed. She was a very warm hearted and kind mother and grandmother one could ever wish or dream for. Her humble and dignified behavior set an example to all of how one needs to carry themselves in life’s journey. She was a proud and humble woman. Her openness to accept all as who they are was done on a regular basis. Her gift to forgive was etched in her heart. Her commitment to family was paramount. Mom was such a very respectful person to all. She also had a very innocent sense of humor. She loved to laugh at the most silliest events that happen, especially when the event was at her expense only because she was so comfortable with her own self. The strength of character she displayed during the last several weeks of her life on this earth was so beautiful, it made all things so much easier, yet our hearts are shattered with grief. Our love for her will be perpetual. She believed in God, in a very special, strong, and passionate yet private way. St. Jude was her favorite apostle. It is with complete conviction that we know she is safe in heaven with our father Albert, our sister Gloria, her grandmother, Marie that raised her along with all others who she has touched that have gone before us. We love you Mom and Grammy. It is not goodbye; it is more like see you again.
Family members include 2 daughters, Nancy Pelletier, of New Zealand, Diane Downs, of Goffstown; Kenneth Duchesne and his wife Lisa, of New Boston; 9 grandchildren, Erica Fisher, Jeffrey Gilbert, Jill Gilbert, Audra Renfors, Robbie Raymond, Scott Duchesne, Eowyn, Eliscia, Evan, Cassavaugh; 5 great grandchildren, Jayden Fisher, Ava, Kyla, Gilbert, Kendra, Matthew Renfors; a sister, Lina Lizotte; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was predeceased by her husband Albert, a daughter, Gloria, and her brother, Charles Balles.
A funeral Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Saturday, February 19, 2011 at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 195 Meetinghouse Rd.
Burial was private at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Home Health and Hospice, 7 Executive Park Drive Merrimack, NH 03054