SALEM - Sarah A. “Sally” (Lipsett) Rocheleau, 90, of Salem, wife of the late Gerard J. Rocheleau, died Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at the Jewish Rehabilitation Center, Swampscott, following a long illness.
Born in Salem, she was the daughter of the late Charles & Ethel (Hiltz) Lipsett and was a lifelong resident of the city.
Sally was a volunteer for many years at the Women’s Friend Society, where she served as president and secretary and was very active in the early efforts to bring the visiting nurse program to Salem.
During WWII, Sally worked at the Boston Navy Yard where she received the U.S. Navy “E” for excellence in production, and where she also received a Certificate of Meritorious Service from the Commandant of the Navy Yard.
Mrs. Rocheleau was a life long member of the Lafayette Street United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir. She became a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church when the two churches merged.
Sally is survived by one son, Charles P. Rocheleau of Saugus, who, as an entertainer, goes by the stage name of Charlie Dawson, one brother, Chester Lipsett of Salem two sisters-in-law, M. Lauretta Rocheleau and Florence Rocheleau, both of Peabody, and a number of nieces and nephews including Carolyn Rocheleau of Wenham, Robert Rocheleau of Swampscott, and Gail Leuchars of Lynn. She was the sister of the late Charles Lipsett, Ralph Lipsett and Robert Lipsett.
Her funeral service will be held Monday, June 18, 2012 at 10 am in the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem. Visiting hours are Sunday, 4 to 7 pm. Relatives and friends respectfully invited. Burial is in Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem. For those who desire, donations may be made in her memory to the Hospice of the North Shore, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923. For on-line guest book and directions, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.