Obituary of Gertrude Alice Charbonneau

"Granby - On October 14, 2009, our mother Gertrude A. (LaBossiere) Charbonneau went home into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father. She was born the daughter of the late Arthur and Eva (Fredette) LaBossiere on October 28, 1922 in Ware, MA. She was a graduate of Ware H.S. and Northampton Commercial College. She began her career as a civil servant at Springfield Ordnance. Subsequently she worked at Mass Mutual. After marriage, she moved to Ware and worked for Ryan Mfg. Co. She then moved with her family to Granby, MA. Gertrude concluded her career as a secretary in the History Dept. of Mt. Holyoke College in 1988. She was a faithful communicant of Immaculate Heart of Mary for 50 years. She loved being a homemaker and took great pride in making clothes for herself and her family. Gertrude was the beloved wife of Marcel W. Charbonneau, who predeceased her in 1966, and she was the mother of the late Ann M. (Charbonneau) Topor who died in 2007. She was also predeceased by her sister Bernardine Morin and her brother Leo LaBossiere. Gertrude is survived by her daughter Andrea L. (Charbonneau) Stachowitz and her husband Rainer, both of whom lovingly cared for her in her final weeks. She will also be missed by her son Marc J. Charbonneau and his wife Cynthia, who were her devoted caregivers for three years, her brother Edward LaBossiere, several nieces and nephews to include her loving niece Jacqueline Morrison and her husband Harvey. She also leaves behind her son-in-law, Michael Topor, two grandchildren, Jeffrey Topor, Kevin Topor and his wife Cara, and two great grandchildren. The family wishes to acknowledge Reverend Parent of Holy Trinity Church in Westfield for the exceptional kindness he extended to Gertrude. Relatives and friends are invited to meet at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 256 State St., Granby, MA for a funeral mass on Friday, October 16th at 11:00 a.m. with burial to follow at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery, Ware, MA. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements entrusted to Beers and Story South Hadley Funeral Home. Donations in Gertrude's name may be made to the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke, 110 Cherry St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Please visit www.beersandstory.com to sign the online guest register. "