Gerardine Bissonnette

Gerardine “Gerri” Bissonnette, 94, of Hooksett died Wednesday October 19, 2022 at her home surrounded by family.

Born October 5, 1928 in Deschaillons-sur-Saint-Laurent, PQ, she was the daughter of Onesime & Marie Rose (Dubois) Auger.

Upon moving to the US from Canada in 1960 Gerri dedicated herself to learning English, taking night courses at Manchester Central High School.  Having had to quit school at age 15 to work and help her family, she was determined to earn her high school diploma.  In 1983 at the age of 55 she accomplished this goal by attending evening classes, all while raising 8 children and working part time as a nurse’s aide.  She worked at Notre Dame Hospital, now CMC, for decades, mostly in the nursery thus allowing her to give the first bath to many of her newborn grandchildren.  She was also the recipient of the hospital’s first ever Employee Recognition Award. 

Gerri was an outstanding person who was always thinking of others, ready to help or support in any way needed.  She was an active member of the Ladies of St. Anne at St. Anthony Parish.  Every Wednesday, she along with her husband Robert worked at the Parish Nurse program.  They also prepared and served bereavement meals to parishioners.  They volunteered as altar servers as well as at the annual church penny sales.  Gerri was known as an excellent cook, baker, and seamstress.  Her greatest joy in life was family.

Gerardine is survived by her children Daniel Bissonnette & his wife Mona of North Hampton, Pierre Bissonnette & his wife Cindi of Punta Gorda, FL, Jean  Bissonnette & his partner Kristie of Gilford, CT, Paul Bissonnette & his wife Lorrie of Weare, NH, Joane Gandy & her partner Mike of Allenstown,  Maryse Charbonneau & her husband Daniel of Hooksett, and Michele Hanson & her husband Karl of Manchester; a daughter-in-law, Barbara Bissonnette and her partner, Richard Jolacha of Manchester; her brother Jean Guy Auger & his wife Annette of Goffstown; 19 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, her great-great-granddaughter Skylar; and many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Robert Bissonnette, her son Alain Bissonnette, and many brothers & sisters.

SERVICES:  Calling hours will be Sunday 10/23 from 4 to 7 pm at Lambert Funeral Home, 1799 Elm St., Manchester.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday 10/24 at 9:30 am at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 172 Belmont St., Manchester followed by committal prayers at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 474 Goffstown Rd., Manchester.

Donations in Gerardine’s name may be made to Community Hospice House, 210 Naticook Rd., Merrimack, NH 03054 or Sisters of the Precious Blood Monastery, 700 Bridge St., Manchester, NH 03104.