Lucille M. (Dube) Ouellette

WEST BOYLSTON – Lucille M. (Dube) Ouellette, 89, of West Boylston, died Monday, September 27, 2021 at home, surrounded by her loving family.

Her husband of 60 years, Dr. Robert D. Ouellette, died in 2017.  She leaves four sons, Paul Ouellette and his wife Susie of Marlborough, Ronald Ouellette of Idaho, Peter Ouellette of Barre, Michael Ouellette and his wife Michelle of Oxford; three daughters, Jeannine Clemente and her husband Michael of Rensselaer, NY, Dr. Ann Jones and her husband Stephen of Shrewsbury, and Patricia Laughren and her husband James of Harpswell, ME; two sisters, Georgette L’Heureux of Connecticut and Jacqueline Michaud and her husband Normand of Florida; fourteen grandchildren, Michelle (Clemente) Lang, Nicolina (Clemente) Lashoff, Jack Ouellette, Josie Ouellette, Nathalie Ouellette, Libby Ouellette, Sam Ouellette, Michael C. Ouellette, Timothy Ouellette, Jacob Ouellette, Devyn (Quigely)Jackson, Bethany Jones, Christopher Jones, and Katie Sage Laughren; three great-grandchildren, Max Lange, Madison Lange, and Maeve Lashoff; and  many nieces and nephews.  She was born in Fall River, MA, daughter of Joseph and Eliane (Ross) Dube.

She graduated from St Anne’s Hospital School of Nursing and was a Registered Nurse at St. Anne’s Hospital in Fall River. 

Lu, as she was known by friends and family, had a passion for cooking, especially intricate French recipes.  She was once a student to world-renowned French Chef, Madeleine Kamman. This, paired with her husband Bob’s love for wine, made them the perfect match.  Her children and grandchildren also enjoyed trying her recipes and providing feedback she would then use in future creations.   Her children, in their attempts to recreate her recipes, often fell far short of her incredible skills.

Lu and her husband Bob traveled all over Europe, enjoying vineyards and restaurants, learning about food and wine.  She especially treasured her visit to Israel and the Holy Lands and sailing the Greek Islands with her sister Jackie and brother-in-law, Normand.  Her French Canadian heritage and language fluency often had her mistaken for a Canadian when traveling abroad.

Lu had an artistic side.  She was an accomplished painter, especially in watercolors.  She had the most beautiful handwriting and practiced calligraphy despite her frustration with being a “leftie” who was required to write with her right hand as a young girl.  She grew to love hand stitching and crewelwork in her later years.

Most of all, Lu enjoyed spending time with her family.  She cared for her husband through difficult years as his health declined and insisted on being his primary caregiver.  She adored her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, always providing wise counsel, a strong shoulder to cry on, and constant reminders to “call your brothers and sisters.”  Her family will miss her silly, contagious giggles, her warm welcoming arms, and their little Mémère who had a great big heart.

The family is grateful to Dr. Bradley Switzer of Reliant Medical Group, the nurses of Salmon Hospice, and caregivers of Worcester Home Care.  Funeral services will be private and in the care of Rice Funeral Home, 300 Park Ave, Worcester. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Lucille’s name to the Salmon VNA & Hospice, 37 Birch St, Milford, MA 01757 or St. Christopher’s Church, 950 W. Boylston St., Worcester, MA 01606.