Elaine (Perrault) Normandin

Elaine (Perrault) Normandin

Devoted wife, mother, Memere

LUNENBURG—Elaine Normandin, 77, passed away peacefully to join her husband Jim in heaven on Monday, March 31st. She was surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was born May 28th, 1947, in Fitchburg at Lucy Helen Hospital to Lorriane Chalifoux and Henry Perrault.

Elaine attended St. Francis of Assisi School in Fitchburg from kindergarten to eighth grade. In 1965, she graduated from Leominster High School with high honors, the second class to graduate from the current LHS. After high school, she attended Wards Business School in Worcester.

During junior high and high school and even after graduation, Elaine cared for and looked after her sisters. She also lovingly cared for and babysat her cousins, from her Aunt Janet and Uncle Raoul Chalifoux to Aunt Doris and Robert Wise. Many times, while dating Jim, her sisters and cousins would accompany them on dates. Elaine also occasionally helped out in the family-owned business, Leominster Home Beverage, on Abbott Ave. in Leominster.

She met her husband Jim, the love of her life and soulmate, in 1965 at Whalom Park. Later, they shared their first kiss at the amusement park’s fun house. Several months later, Jim proposed to Elaine while on the boat cruise at Canobie Lake Park. They were married a year later on October 15th, 1966. They resided in Leominster until moving to Lake Shirley in Lunenburg in 1969.

A devout Catholic, Elaine belonged to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fitchburg while growing up and then later to Our Lady of the Lake Church in Leominster. She spent many hours volunteering at St. Francis of Assisi, where she also served as a member of the Ladies Guild of St. Francis of Assisi and was a member of the Ladies of Saint Anne. She served as activities director for several years while a member of the Ladies Guild of St. Francis.

In her youth, she spent a lot of time with her grandparents, Raoul & Emma (Dougas) Chalifoux. Elaine would go on trips with them to Canada. Later in life, she would visit Canada with her husband Jim and son Jimmy. She immensely enjoyed sightseeing at Niagara Falls (one of her favorite places), visiting the Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal in Montreal, and attending several masses at Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica in Quebec City.

Elaine enjoyed a variety of hobbies, from boating on Lake Shirley to camping trips in the family motorhome with her husband and son, Jimmy. They would often visit the White Mountains, Cape Cod, and Hampton Beach. She especially loved doing crafts with her best friend, Pauline Johnson, who was like a sister to her. Elaine's greatest joy came from spending time with family and friends – playing cards, cooking out, playing bocce, and attending family gatherings. She attended many family outings at her sister's houses and those of her husband Jim’s 10 siblings and their spouses.

Elaine was a dedicated Mom who took immense pride in raising her only son, Jimmy. She was consistently present in his life, supporting him through every activity, including CCD classes at Our Lady of the Lake Church, youth basketball and soccer in Lunenburg, and dek hockey in Leominster, where she forged many lifelong friendships.

One of Elaine's most cherished memories was witnessing her son Jimmy marry his beloved wife, Lori. Elaine deeply treasured her close relationship with her daughter-in-law, Lori, with whom she shared a strong bond. She was further filled with joy as she embraced her role as grandmother to Devin and Briana, whom she described as the “lights of her life”. Elaine cherished the moments spent caring for them after school and delighting in activities like crafting, organizing treasure hunts, enjoying movie days, and taking them to puppet shows during the summer. Above all, she took immense pride in the beautiful family that Jimmy and Lori had created. Elaine will be sadly missed by many friends and family.

Elaine leaves behind her beloved son, Jimmy Normandin, and his wife, Lori (Sheridan) Normandin, along with her cherished grandchildren, Devin and Briana Normandin, all of Leominster. She is also survived by her mother, Lorraine (Chalifoux) Perrault; her sisters, Sandra Lizotte, Karen Day, Cindy Haueisen, and Lisa Beaulac, all of Lunenburg, MA; as well as a large extended family, including numerous cousins, in-laws from both sides, and many dear nephews and nieces.

Elaine was predeceased by her husband Jim.

Elaine’s two favorite quotes were Nathaniel Hawthorne's “Happiness is a butterfly, which, when pursued, is always just behind your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you” and “Today is the first day of the rest of your life” – Charles Dederich.

In honor of Elaine, the family is encouraging attendees to wear something lilac (her favorite color) or purple to the funeral.

NORMANDIN- Funeral will be held on Monday, April 14th, 2025, at 11:00 AM in Our Lady of the Lake Church, 1400 Main Street, Leominster, MA.

There are no calling hours. Interment will follow at Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA.

In lieu of flowers and as requested by Elaine, donations can be made in Elaine’s name to Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA 02115.

Donations can also be made to Saint Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38015.

Arrangements under the care of Wright-Roy Funeral Home, Inc., 109 West St. Leominster.

To Light a Candle, Sign her Guestbook or Leave a Message of Condolence, visit www.wrightroyfuneralhome.com

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