Esthel M. Durand, 93, of Grove St., Woonsocket, died peacefully Wednesday morning at home surrounded by her family. She was the devoted wife of the late Lionel C. Durand.
Born in Woonsocket, she was a daughter of the late Camille and Florida (Berard) Turcotte. She was a lifelong resident of the city.
Mrs. Durand was a longtime communicant of Precious Blood Church and a former member of the parish Ladies Guild.
Esthel was a dedicated homemaker and her life centered around her family.
Mrs. Durand was a Gold Star Mother. Her son, PFC Paul L. Durand, USMC was killed in Vietnam in 1967.
She is survived by three sons, Robert Durand, and his wife Rachel, of North Smithfield, Raymond Durand, and Andre Durand, and his wife Helen, all of Woonsocket, three daughters, Jeanne Hetu, and her companion Del Lessard, of Blackstone, Claire Balint of Milford NH, and Connie LeBlanc, and her husband Roger, of Woonsocket. She was the sister of Robert Turcotte of Woonsocket and the late Laurence, Gerald, and Rene Turcotte, and Marguerite Cimoch. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Her funeral will be Tuesday at 9:00 am from the Menard-Lacouture Funeral Home, 127 Carrington Ave., Woonsocket, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in Precious Blood Church, Carrington Ave., Woonsocket. Burial will follow in St. Jean Baptiste Cemetery, Bellingham. Visiting hours are Monday from 1-3 & 5-7 pm. Flowers are welcome. Memorial donations may be made to Beacon Hospice, 1 Catamore Blvd., East Providence, RI. 02914.
www.menardfuneralhome.com