Jeannette M. Rushford

Jeannette M. (Schaffer) Rushford, 89, of Hubbardston, died unexpectedly Wednesday, March 6, 2024, in her home. 

Born in Gardner on June 1, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Henry R. and Yvonne (Maillet) Schaffer. She graduated from Gardner High School with the Class of 1953. Jeannette was a paraprofessional employed by Gardner Public Schools working in the kindergarten and special education classrooms at Coleman Street and Prospect Street Schools for five years prior to her retirement. She was previously a bus driver employed by Gardner Public Schools and Montachusett Regional Vocational High School for many years, as well as GEM Crib.

Jeannette was a parishioner of Annunciation Parish of Gardner, practicing at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church. She was a member of the Hubbardston Golden Agers. Jeannette loved to knit, quilt, and crochet—working on various items for family and friends throughout the years. She also enjoyed traveling, cooking, playing BINGO and watching Bob Ross and Jeff Dunham. Jeannette’s greatest enjoyment was found when she was with her family, treasuring their special memories together. 

Jeannette is survived by her husband of 70 years, Richard C. Rushford of Hubbardston; a daughter, Nancy M. Jaillet of Hubbardston; two sons, Michael C. Rushford and his wife Joan of Livermore, CA and Bruce P. Rushford and his wife Patricia of Millbury; three grandchildren, Donald Jaillet, Angela Jackson, and Bridget Rushford; a great-grandchild, Andrew King; several nieces, nephews and cousins. 

She was predeceased by her infant sister Nancy M. Schaffer. 

Funeral Services will be held Monday, March 25, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. in the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. Burial will follow at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA. 

A Calling Hour will be held Monday, March 25, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, c/o Annunciation Parish, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA 01440, or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Please reference in memory of Jeannette M. Rushford.