Normand J. Bettez, 85, of Gardner, MA, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 5, 2025, after a long battle with Parkinson's in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on December 10, 1939, in Gardner, Normand was the son of the late Alphonse and Muriel (Leger) Bettez. He graduated from Saint Louis University in Edmundston, New Brunswick, Canada. Normand proudly served in the United States Army from 1962 to 1965, receiving the Good Conduct Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

Normand was well-known in the community for his work at Gardner Creamery, where he served as manager for 20 years. He later went on to own a franchise of Lil Peach in Gardner for 5 years and, for over 35 years, was the owner of Norm's Lock and Key.

A devout Catholic, Normand was a parishioner of Annunciation Parish of Gardner, where he was an active member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society for 39 years. He also practiced his faith at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Baldwinville. Additionally, he was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus #396, American Legion Post 129, and the Massachusetts Locksmith Association. Normand also served on the Board of Directors for the Gardner Community Action Committee. In his free time, Normand enjoyed following his beloved Boston sports teams, carpentry, reading, doing puzzles, traveling with many trips taken in the US and abroad. His greatest joy, however, was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. The memories he made with them were the treasures of his life.

Normand is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Jeanne (St. Hilaire) Bettez of Gardner; two daughters, Karen Aveni and her husband Butch of Westminster, and Michelle Bettez of Fitchburg; two grandchildren, Nicholas Aveni and his wife Mackenzie of Westminster, and Alyssa Aveni of Westminster; three great-grandchildren, Marley, Rocco, and Cade Aveni; two brothers, Donald Bettez of North Carolina and Ernest Bettez of Gardner; two sisters, Janice Rayball and her husband Michael of Florida, and Margaret Luczko and her husband Stanley of Gardner; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his son-in-law, Lester Hall and sister-in-law Kerry Bettez.

A special "Thank You" to our caregivers Michele, Sharon, Michelle and Erik, the Visiting Angels and Aspire Health Care, and Care Central VNA and Hospice for their care during this difficult time.

Calling Hours will be held Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, December 19, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. with a Mass at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 1 Forrest Street, Baldwinville, MA. Burial with Military Honors will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Vincent De Paul Society, c/o Annunciation Parish, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA 01440, or to the Gardner Community Action Committee, 294 Pleasant Street, Gardner, MA 01440. Please reference "in memory of Normand J. Bettez."