Lorraine Pauline (Biron) Bedard of Nashua, NH died peacefully on February 17, 2024 at the home of her daughter with whom she resided. Lorraine was born on March 11, 1934 in Montpelier, Vermont. She was the oldest child and only daughter of Emile Joseph Biron and Yvette (Cyr) Biron. As a young girl, Lorraine spoke French at home, learning English to attend St. Michael’s School and graduating from St. Michael’s High School in 1952. Growing up in a loving and busy household, she was a conscientious student, an accomplished piano player, and the self-appointed keeper of her three lively brothers.
Upon graduation, Lorraine declined a college scholarship to enter the workforce, first working at Green Mountain Power, then becoming the Local Board clerk and Quotas & Calls clerk for the Selective Service System. During this time, she patiently waited for her sweetheart, Maurice Bedard, to complete his military service and education, and to establish his career.
On June 9, 1962 Lorraine and Maurice were married at her parish, Saint Augustine, in Montpelier, Vermont. They purchased a “fixer-upper” in Nashua, where Maurice had earlier found employment, and spent every free moment joyfully refurbishing their first home. During that time, Lorraine served as the executive secretary for Defense Contract Administration Services located within Sanders Associates. Following the birth of their son, Lorraine left the workforce and devoted herself to their family. With the birth of their daughter, Lorraine and Maurice decided to purchase land and build a new home. Side by side, they personally constructed every aspect of the house they built on Hooker Street and made it their family home.
Lorraine volunteered in support of her children’s schools and activities and managed the family’s rental properties. Once her children were grown, she returned to work in a variety of roles including administrative assistant, census taker, and volunteer tax assistant. Always industrious, Lorraine would often walk from her home to run errands downtown. Despite enduring a massive stroke in 2014, she retained her pleasant disposition and was lovingly cared for by her husband until his passing in 2018.
Lorraine was a devout Catholic and a parishioner of the former Saint Francis Xavier Parish. She served her parish as a collection counter, Eucharistic Minister, RCIA sponsor, and in various other roles. Following the closure of Saint Francis Xavier, Lorraine was a communicant of the Parish of the Resurrection. In retirement, she and Maurice could often be seen walking to morning Mass at Saint Christopher Parish.
Above all else, Lorraine was a devoted wife and selfless mother. She fostered a loving and orderly home filled with guidance and good humor. A talented seamstress and knitter, Lorraine was skilled at needlework of all kinds. She created, mended, repaired, and altered countless items, both practical and beautiful. She and Maurice were true partners and best friends. They cherished the simple joys of everyday life and were always content to be in one another’s company. She was an active, caring presence for her children and supported them tirelessly throughout their lives. Most of all, she found enormous joy in her grandchildren, cherished the many hours they spent together, and treasured her role as “Mémère.”
In addition to her parents and her husband, Lorraine was predeceased by her three brothers and their wives, Romain and Doris Biron, Edward and Carlene Biron, and Ernest and Gloria Biron, as well as her brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Lawrence and Cecile (Bedard) Dubuque, and Louise T. Bedard.
She is survived by her son, Biron Bedard of Meredith, NH, her daughter and son-in-law, Lorrice Bedard and Brian Rockwell, and her grandchildren, Evangeline, Ambrose, and Elise, all of Nashua, NH. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Wednesday, February 21st from 4 to 7 p.m. and Thursday, February 22nd from 10 to 10:50 a.m. at the Parish of the Resurrection, 449 Broad Street, Nashua. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the church at 11 o’clock. Interment will follow in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. Friends are invited to attend. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com
