Marie Jeanne Gendreau

1945- 2021   
North Grosvenordale – Marie Jeanne Gendreau, 75, of Buckley Hill Rd., died Friday, April 16, 2021, at Hartford Hospital with her family by her side. She was the loving wife of 45 years to the late Robert O. Gendreau who died February 9th, 2021. Born in North Grosvenordale CT, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Anna (Blanchette) Durand.  In her working years, Jeanne’s first job was at Putnam Manufacturing making snowsuits. She then went onto Bate’s Shoe as a shoe sprayer. After getting married she was able to stay home and care for her kids for a time. She didn’t stop there though, moving on she obtained her hairdresser’s license. One day while working as a personal care assistant she walked into a room to find her Maternal Grandmother to whom she was able to care for until the end of her life. She often thought how lucky was she to be able to do that. She had great skills at caretaking and was able to care for her parents as well as her mother-in-law and father-in-law.  There was never a dull moment around Jeanne, her ability to laugh at herself just made the time spent with her that much more enjoyable. More often than not there would be something crashing followed by an “I’m O.K” …… only then to end up in tears of laughter.  Jeanne enjoyed working in her yard. There was no surprise to find her buried under branches and leaves to make that space look inviting. Most who knew her knew her ability with wildlife was quite amazing.  She could nurse back just about anything from birds, to squirrels, to even a baby duck called Waddles! Her patient and caring heart would take wild animals and train them to be pets if they so chose to stay. Her greatest joy was in becoming a grandmother. The laughter between her and the grandkids was endless. She was willing to do whatever craziness they could think up and be present the entire time.  Jeanne is survived by her children, Missy (Ricky) Desrochers and Ken Barylski; her brothers, Ronald Durand and Richard Durand; her sisters, Connie Durand, Susan Durand, Sandra Krogel and Georgette D. Menzone; her grandchildren, Jenna Saad, Jake Desrochers and Vanessa DiGregorio; and her great-granddaughter, Addilyn Saad. Relative and friends are invited to visit with Jeanne’s family from 3:00 to 5:00 pm on Friday, April 30, 2021 in the Valade Funeral Home & Crematory, 23 Main Street, N. Grosvenordale followed by a reception at Thompson Rod & Gun Club. For memorial guestbook please visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.

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