Bertrand Norman Rene, of Leicester, passed away at the age of 78 on May 20, 2013 with his loving family by his side after a long fought battle with Emphysema. He will long be remembered by his family and friends for the dignity with which he faced his illness.
He leaves his wife of 51 years, Pauline (Goupil) Rene who was the love of his life; his five children, Patricia Rene of Franklin, Carmen Hollister of Firestone, CO, Richard Rene of Worcester, Peter Rene of Jupiter, FL and Michael Rene of Florida; a sister, Irene Bouchard of Houlton, ME; three grandchildren, Michael Rene, Jr. of Port St. Lucie, FL, Cooper and Jackson Hollister of Fireston, CO and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a daughter, Claire and two sisters, Yvette Campbell and Estelle Oullette.
Bertrand was born in Lewiston, ME the son of Herman and Rosemary Rene and was a veteran of the United States Marine Corp serving during the Korean Conflict. He was an entrepreneur at heart having owned and operated a commercial janitorial business for several years. Bertrand also opened a family restaurant as well as owning and operating a local convenience store.
He was a devoted husband whose greatest joys were spending time at home with his family and in his garden. Bertrand loved animals, the Boston Red Sox, the New England Patriots and of course the Boston Bruins. He also enjoyed working in his home on various projects.
His funeral is Friday, May 24th with a service at 10:30 AM in O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, Worcester. Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery, 162 Webster Street. Calling hours are Thursday, May 23rd from 5:00 until 7:00 PM in the funeral home.