Roger L. Tousignant

Roger L. Tousignant, 92, passed away peacefully in his home on October 24, 2025, where he lived with his longtime partner, Blanche Kinner in Gardner, Massachusetts. He prioritized his family and deeply held faith, modeling this in many ways. He lived his life with humility, kindness, generosity and a jovial sense of humor. He loved Gardner and was dedicated to serving the community throughout his life.

Born at home in Gardner on February 7, 1933, Roger was the sixteenth of seventeen children and the seventh son of Fred D. and Delvina C. (Lavoie) Tousignant. Roger was a lifelong supporter of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, now Annunciation Parish. During his early years, he was very active as a lector, CCD teacher, Bishop's Fund agent, Parents Association member and Boy Scout Troop #9 leader.

Following a primary education at Holy Rosary, Roger graduated from the University of Ottawa High School, ON, Canada in 1950. He continued his education at Assumption College, graduating in 1954. Shortly after graduation he enlisted in the United States Army and was soon deployed to Europe. There he served as a medical driver, Specialist 3rd class, in Ludwigsburg, Germany. In 1956 he returned to Gardner to raise his family and joined the family business - Tousignant Realtors Inc.

His career as a realtor spanned 52 years, during which he dedicated himself to his profession and to serving the people of greater Gardner. During this time, he helped countless families and individuals achieve their dream of home ownership. He would often show his appreciation for their business by bringing them a freshly baked apple pie or meat pie, which he made himself. His real estate clients were not the only benefactors of his love for baking; he often gave pies away for any reason, bringing an immediate smile to its recipient.

In fulfilling his purpose, Roger conscientiously served the community he loved in numerous other ways as well. He was treasurer of the Northern Worcester County Board of Realtors for 10 years; in serving the city of Gardner, he was on the Commission to Promote Business and Industry, a longtime trustee of Greenwood Memorial Pool, an active member of the United Way and Chamber of Commerce, and a Notary Public. In addition to time, he donated more than a dozen gallons of blood to the American Red Cross.

At age 25, Roger became the youngest member ever elected to the Board of Directors of GFA Credit Union. He served humbly and with honor for 54 years, retiring from his position at age 79. This also makes him the longest tenured and oldest person ever to serve on this board.

He most recently served 10 years as chairman of the Gardner Housing Authority. He served as director of the former Baldwinville Cooperative Bank. He was a "Friend" of HOPE. He was an avid reader of Christian-authored novels. He was a life member of VFW Post 905, the South Gardner Historical Society, the Narragansett Historical Society, the American Legion Post 129, the Knowlton Foundation, the Knights of Columbus #396 3rd degree, the Acadian Club, money manager for Montachusett Home Health Care, AARP, Fernald School as Recreation Director, the Chair City Club, the Golden Agers and a Trustee of the Gardner Museum. He served as President of the Rotary Club twice and was named Rotarian of the Year in 1970.

He previously enjoyed weekly Wednesday golfing, cooking, gardening, baking pies, cutting/splitting wood, yard work, flea markets and tag sales. He especially enjoyed his extensive family, and he loved to travel the world vicariously with Rick Steves on PBS.

Roger was a loyal reader of many newspapers including the Gardner News. Despite their offices immediately abutting Tousignant Realtors Inc, where he could reach their front door by walking just a few steps, he purposely chose to get his daily copy elsewhere. His steps often led him to the vending box near City Hall, but the destination was not the sole purpose of his journey, and it wasn't until his later years that he revealed to his family his reason for going out of his way to buy the paper.

"By taking a walk to get the paper, I'd have a chance to cross paths with someone. I might be the only person they met that day that took time to ask how they were doing, and to listen to their story."

His genuine interest in others made him one of Gardner's most beloved residents, and the last of three generations of the Tousignant family to call this great city his home.

He leaves his daughter Susan and husband Eugene Marciano of Middlebury, CT, son Alan and wife Vinh Tousignant of Falls Church, VA, son Gregg and wife Kim Tousignant of Monroe, LA, daughter Celeste and husband Walter Wetherell of Lyme, NH, daughter Michelle and husband Michael Howard of Vero Beach, FL, daughter Lise and husband Gregory Davini of Plainfield, NH, and son Peter and wife Maureen Tousignant of Windham, NH. He also leaves 19 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild as well as many nieces and nephews. He leaves a brother, Normand and wife Marylou of Matthews, NC, and his former wife Gloria of Winchendon, MA. He was predeceased by 15 brothers and sisters, daughter-in-law Jeanne and grandson William Tousignant.

Visiting hours at the Boucher Funeral Home at 110 Nichols Street in Gardner will be on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Mass will be at Annunciation Parish at Holy Rosary Church on Friday, October 31, 2025, at 10:30 am. Burial will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery, West Street, Gardner, MA 01440.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA 01440 or online at (https://www.osvhub.com/annunciationgardner/giving/funds/st-vincent-de-paul) or to Holy Family Academy, 99 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA 01440 or online their website at (https://holyfamilyacademyma.org/donate). Please reference in memory of Roger Tousignant.