Dolores T. (Champagne) Gauvreau passed away on December 2, 2023 at High Pointe House Hospice in Haverhill after a lengthy period of declining health. She was 85. Dolly was born in Lowell, MA on July 1, 1938, the daughter of the late Alcide and the late Celeda (Foucher) Champagne. She was married for 50 years to a well known local musician and band leader, Bob Gauvreau, Sr. who passed in 2010.
She was educated at St. Louis School in Lowell. As a child starting school, she spoke only Canadian French but was soon fluent in English. In later years, she would continue her education full time at the University of Lowell (now UMass Lowell) for 2 years with a concentration in Psychology. She retired from Flir Systems in N. Billerica, where she worked in Order Services/Sales Support, a job she truly loved.
Dolly met her husband, Bob, in the late 1950's. She attended a wedding reception at the Andover Country Club and spotted Bob Gauvreau who was performing on stage. After the reception, they were introduced, soon began dating and were married in 1960. They resided in the Upper Highland's section of Lowell and she was a lifelong communicant of St. Margaret Church. A devout Catholic, she prayed the rosary regularly (in French), praying for family and friends. If a neighbor was sick, you could bet they were on Dolly's prayer list. She was a wonderful wife, a great mother and role model for her children.
Dolly had a love for antique furniture. She refinished over 50 pieces, usually seen throughout her home. She had a talent for making her home a showplace for her family. When she wasn't working on her home she enjoyed trips to Ogunquit, ME. In her later years, she loved a good Martini at dinner, Beefeater - extra dry! But most of all, she loved spending time at home with her family.
Dolly is survived by her children, Bob Gauvreau, Jr. and his wife, Kathy of Lowell, Rick Gauvreau of Lowell, Lisa Gauvreau Ring of Westford. Her two grandchildren, Jack and Harry Ring of Westford, also Kenny Ring of Westford. A brother, Paul A. Champagne and Jacqueline Champagne of Lowell. A brother in law, Paul F. Gauvreau and his close friend, Carolyn Aho of Hudson, NH, her nephews, Ronald Champagne of Lowell, David Champagne and his wife, Mary, of OH, and Matthew Gauvreau and his family of FL. A cousin and close friend, Claire Lussier of Auburn and her family including Dolly's Godchild, Karen Ryder, of Plymouth, also many other relatives, friends and neighbors including the Rancourt family of NH, especially Steven Rancourt for his kindness throughout the years. Also, longtime family friends, Nick Kozombolis of Lowell for his many years of kindness and Diane Thurber of FL.
Dolly was predeceased by her Godchild, Robert Champagne, Paula Champagne, sister in law Amy Gauvreau and the family dog, Briea, who she loved so much.
The family would like to acknowledge Dolly's son, Rick Gauvreau for his exceptional care during the last years of Dolly's life. The family would also like to thank Lowell General Hospital, Tufts Circle Home Health and High Pointe House Hospice for their wonderful care.
At the request of the family, all services were held privately. McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, MA 978-458-6816. Burial at St. Joseph Cemetery in Chelmsford.
Those who wish may make a donation in her name to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.