There are people in our world who are determined to make a difference. Some people travel far and wide to make a difference, some need venture no further than their home, church or community. But wherever they find themselves, those who commit themselves to serving others will make that difference; they will make a world of difference. Claudette Lussier was a person who made a difference. She did so not on a national or international stage, but in the very church, neighborhood and town where she was raised. Her desire to serve and make a difference in the lives of others was rooted in the faith she learned at the church where she lived out her life, St James Parish in the village of Manville. From the day she was baptized, St. James Church would be Claudette’s beacon, her staging point, indeed her anchor. Claudette would find strength and purpose for her life’s work, comfort and solace for the crosses she bravely bore, all through the nurturing guidance and never-failing beacon of St. James Parish.
Claudette J. Lussier, 67, a proud lifelong resident of Manville died Thursday May 13, 2021 at Landmark Medical Center with her family by her side. She was the loving wife of Roland E. Lussier. Claudette and Roland exchanged their marriage vows at St. James Church on May 14, 1977. They were married just one day shy of their 44th wedding anniversary. Claudette wouldn’t sweat the small stuff….”let’s just call it 44 years” she would undoubtedly say.
Born in Woonsocket, Claudette was the daughter of the late Fernand A. and Therese A. (Paul) Durocher. She attended St. James School and graduated from St. Clare High School in Woonsocket in 1972. Claudette earned her degree in interior design from Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts in 1974.
In keeping with her college studies Claudette worked as an interior designer for Carriage House in Warwick for a number of years. She was a full-time mom as she raised her sons Roland and Christopher. Returning to work when her boys were grown Claudette became the Office Manager for St. James Parish and Cemetery. From 1996 until her retirement in 2019 Claudette was the face and voice of St. James Parish office. From greeting visitors at rectory office with her cheerful demeanor or lending a sympathetic ear to a caller inquiring about a loved one at the cemetery, Claudette saw her role at St. James as more than just her job, she saw it as her ministry. Claudette was Manville through and through and St. James Church was her second home. She volunteered and supported numerous ministries and activities at the church particularly the St. James parish food pantry and the annual parish carnival. Claudette lent her voice in song as a member of the parish choir, for Claudette singing in the choir was her way to help everyone raise their voices in prayer.
Around the greater Manville and Lincoln community Claudette was a member of the Lincoln Republican Town Committee and she assisted a number of people who chose to serve their community by running for office. She was a former member of the Lincoln School Committee and was active with the the Northern Lincoln Elementary School Parent-Teachers Association. Claudette also served as the Endicott College Alumni Council secretary and as her class agent.
Claudette enjoyed taking a number of trips with her family to various destinations across the country. She was a fiercely patriotic lady and loved to see many sights all over the 50 states. Despite health challenges Claudette was determined to live her life to the fullest. Claudette had her own unique sense of humor and upbeat outlook on life. She relished sharing her optimism with others, along with plenty of jokes and cartoons, for Claudette knew that laughter is the best medicine.
Claudette will be remembered as a woman of a deep and abiding faith. Her family takes special comfort in that she was called home to her Lord on Ascension Thursday.
In addition to her husband, Claudette is survived by her two sons Roland A. Lussier and Christopher F. Lussier both of Manville. She was the sister of Paul Durocher and his wife Diane of Greenville. She is also survived by her extend family of many nieces, nephews, cousins and her parish family at St. James.
Her funeral will be Tuesday May 18 at 8:30 am from the Menard-Lacouture Funeral Home, 127 Carrington Ave. Woonsocket followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. James Church, Division St. Manville. Claudette will be laid to rest in St. James Cemetery alongside many people she knew and loved throughout her life.
Everyone is invited to gather to honor and remember Claudette at visiting hours on Monday May 17 from 3- 7 pm at Menard-Lacouture Funeral Home, 127 Carrington Ave. Woonsocket.
In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Claudette’s commitment to helping those in need, memorial donations may be made to the St. James Parish Food Pantry, 33 Division St. Manville, RI. 02838.
www.menardfuneralhome.com