Barbara J. Rousseau

Barbara J. (Palante) Rousseau, of Shrewsbury, formerly of Gardner and Centerville, died unexpectedly Saturday, August 5, 2023, in her home. She was 85 years old.

Born in Ilion, New York, on June 7, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Louise (Frank) Palante. She graduated from Frankfort High School in Frankfort NY, with the Class of 1955 and from Becker Junior College with an Associate in Business Administration in 1957. Barbara was a secretary employed by Gardner Jr High School for 29 years before her retirement in 1998.

Barbara was a parishioner of Our Lady of Victory Church of Centerville and prior to her move was a parishioner of Annunciation Parish of Gardner. She was an avid reader, enjoyed going to the beach, rooting for the Boston sports teams, gardening, baking, and crafting. Barbara’s greatest joy was spending time with her family. She loved being a mother and grandmother and took pride in creating a happy home.

Barbara is survived by her two sons, Michael A. Rousseau and his wife Lorna of Marlborough, and Matthew D. Rousseau and his wife Teri of Alamo, CA; four grandchildren, Robert, Rachel, Jessica, and Natalie Rousseau; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her husband of 62-years, Alvin C. Rousseau, who died on April 20, 2021.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, August 17, 2023, from the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA, with a Mass at 12:30 p.m. in Annunciation Parish at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. Burial will follow at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA.

A Calling Hour will be held Thursday, August 17, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the funeral home.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Make a Wish Foundation, 1702 East Highland Ave., Suite 400. Phoenix, AZ 85016. Please reference in memory of Barbara J. Rousseau.