Joan D. “Bunny” (Gelinas) Bissonnette, age 72, departed this world for Eternal Life on August 19, 2024. Bunny was born on July 25, 1952, in Holyoke, daughter of the late Edmund and Joan (Bergeron) Gelinas. She was a graduate of Chicopee High School, Class of 1970.
After graduation, Bunny worked at the Providence Mother House for many years, caring for the elderly religious sisters. She was a communicant of the former Saint Mary of the Assumption Church in Chicopee, where she married her beloved husband, George J. “Bilue” Bissonnette Jr. on May 19, 1978. Later, after her daughter was born, Bunny became a devoted mother and housewife. She loved to knit and was an excellent cook, a skill which all her children gratefully inherited thanks to her loving guidance. Bunny was a strong-willed and spirited woman who loved Jesus and her Catholic Faith, praying the Holy Rosary daily.
Bunny is predeceased by her husband, George “Bilue” who passed away in 2017, and her two brothers, Edmund and William Gelinas. She is survived by her two sons, George J. Bissonnette of East Hartford and Edmund J. Bissonnette of Feeding Hills; her daughter, Janelle L. Gagnon and husband, Jason, of Chicopee; her sister, Mary Anne Adams of Ludlow; her grandchildren, Lily Alise Bissonnette and Logan Daniel Gagnon; her sisters-in-law, Jean and Joyce Gelinas; her brother-in-law, Harvey Adams; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss her dearly.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at the Grise Funeral Home, 280 Springfield St, Chicopee. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, August 23, 2024, from 8:00 – 9:00 AM at the Grise Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in Saint Stanislaus Basilica at 9:30 AM. Burial will follow in Sainte Rose de Lima Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, her children request that you consider offering a Roman Catholic Mass for the repose of their mother's soul. Mass Cards may be requested from Saint Stanislaus Basilica or any Catholic Church of your choosing.
For online condolences, please visit www.GriseFH.com.