Gabrielle D. Auger

1908-2007

PUTNAM – Mrs. Gabrielle D. Auger, 98, formerly of Maple Court, Danielson, died on Sunday, February 4, 2007 at Westview Health Care Center in Dayville, Ct, where she had been a resident for the past 23 months.  Mrs. Auger was born in North Grosvenordale, CT, on May 26, 1908, the first born of Louis Philippe and Marie Louise (Fagnant) Despelteau.  Gabrielle was the wife of Roland E. Auger, whom she married on June 23, 1930.  Roland died on Dec 22, 2001.  Mr. & Mrs. Auger resided in Putnam for 46 years and later in Quinebaug for 25 years.

Gabrielle Auger graduated from St. Joseph Grammar School, North Grosvenordale in 1923 as the valedictorian of her class. Due to the economic conditions at that time, she was required to secure employment in the local textile mill.  Her love for learning was fulfilled, when later in life, she read and memorized from the same books her children used for their education.  Even at her current age, Gabrielle would often recite Hamlet’s Soliloquy “To be or not to be” which she learned as an adult. She would also recite Joyce Kilmer’s poem “Trees” which she learned in 1920.  She had a fantastic memory for names and dates.  Mrs. Auger spent most of her life caring for her family.  Mrs. Auger was a communicant of St. Mary Church in Putnam and also St. Stephen Church in Quinebaug.

Mrs. Auger leaves two daughters and a son-in-law; Claire Louise Gates of Putnam, Jeanne and Albert Santiago of Teaticket, MA; four sons and daughters-in-law; Albert and Jean Auger of Thompson, CT, Roland and Mary Auger of Dover Point, NH, Bernard “Benny” and Anne Auger of Marlborough, CT, and George “Lenny” and Bernice Auger of Durham, NC; 20 Grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, 5 step-grandchildren, 13 step-great-grandchildren, a sister, Mrs. Yvette Duquette of Tampa, Fl, a brother, Normand Despelteau of Putnam.  She was predeceased by a daughter, Theresa Santerre and by two brothers, Fernand and Bernard, four sisters, Emily, Bella, Jean and Rolande

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Gabrielle’s family on Tuesday, February 6, 2007, from 5:00-8:00 pm. in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam, Ct.  A gathering will begin at 9am Wednesday at the funeral home with a Funeral Mass at 10:30 am in St. Joseph Church, 20 Main Street, North Grosvenordale.  Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery in Putnam.

In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Gabrielle can be made to the following:

Project Northeast c/o Rev. Richard Archambault, 81 Church St, Putnam, CT. 06260; Quinebaug Valley Community College Foundation, 742 Upper Maple St   Danielson, Ct. 06239; or Killingly Housing Authority,  620 Maple Court   Danielson, Ct. 06239.