Jeanne Caouette

Jeanne Caouette (92), Smithfield, RI, passed away peacefully on Friday afternoon after short battle with an illness. Born in North Smithfield, RI Jeanne found love early getting engaged under the fireworks on July 4th and married on Thanksgiving Day, just before Raymond was called to fight in the war. Though Jeanne hilariously tells the story about “how dumb” it was to get married on Thanksgiving, and before Raymond went off to war, over 70 years later, we know she wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. Jeanne worked the kind of jobs that helped rebuild America after the Great Depression and World War II. She worked in factories and on assembly lines, all while also raising their three children at home. She was proud of her work and talked very fondly of her days working at GE and on the assembly lines at GM, building some of Americas most iconic and dependable vehicles. She’d say she had the men’s jobs and had to be sure to do the work well in order to keep her spot. To those that knew her, there’s no doubt she did it better. Jeanne (and Raymond) built their forever home in Bellingham, MA and lived there with their three children for many years. Hosting numerous family gatherings and reunions, the home was filled with love, mixed French and English conversation, the smell of Jeanne’s home cooking, so much black coffee, and many years of unforgettable memories. In the 80’s, Jeanne became “Memere,” then later, “Grand-Memere” and those would prove to be her favorite roles of all. She played a big role in helping with her 3 grandchildren and was also excited and proud to welcome 4 great grandchildren into her family. Together with her family, Jeanne enjoyed many family vacations, weekend trips to various timeshare destinations and many Disney trips. Jeanne worked nearly up to the day she passed, she worked in her career(s) and she was proud to go back to school and earn her Computer Technology Certificate at Mass Bay Community College. Jeanne also could be found volunteering at the Knights of Columbus and various senior centers well into her 80’s. Jeanne loved to volunteer and helping out and she did so even after she became older than those to whom she was serving the coffee and meals. Jeanne had a number of hobbies that kept her young including daily walks, painting, playing her organ, even searching the web on her web TV and scrolling through her Facebook feed. Often offering up her seat to anyone, asking if she could make you something to eat, and very rarely stopping to relax, Jeanne lived a full and happy life for 92 years. Jeanne is predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Raymond Caouette, brothers Raymond and Roland and sister Alice. Still here cherishing her many memories are sister Rita, children Paul Caouette, Claire (Caouette) Ruel, and Denise (Caouette) Lemoi, as well as her grand and great grandchildren. The family will hold a small private celebration of life for Jeanne and her immediate family.

Tributes

Jeanne Caouette

February 17, 2023