By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – She can be found impeccably dressed by 7 a.m. seven days a week, preparing to pick up bread, muffins and other food assortments from local Marlborough merchants. Once she has packed her car, she drops off donations to Roland's House – Marlborough-Hudson Homeless Shelter; the Marlborough Community Cupboard – Food Pantry; three senior living communities; and the Senior Center. Rain, ice or snow will not deter her efforts to ensure her Marlborough neighbors do not go hungry.
She is Debbie Beausoleil, of Marlborough, the 2012 recipient of the Community Well Being Award, presented by BayPath Elder Services, Inc., in recognition of significant contributions to elders in the BayPath service area. A presentation thanking Beausoleil for her efforts was made by President Kathleen Nealon and Executive Director Christine E. Alessandro. Beausoleil had been nominated for the award by Jim Confrey, Marlborough Council on Aging (COA) chair, and the COA Board.
Local officials, including Marlborough COA Director Jennifer Claro, appreciate Beausoleil's volunteer efforts.
“It is no surprise to see this senior giving her time in helping with various community events such as the Evening of Giving for Roland's House, Clean Sweep, Friends of the Marlborough Seniors fundraisers and parties, organizing a community food drive or giving her “extra” time in helping with community disasters such as the fire last fall at 240 Main Street Housing,” Claro said. “Debbie not only delivers bread and baked goods, she also helps in so many aspects of the Senior Center such as setting up and being the natural hostess she is at our weekly Monday lunches. She is also a positive and well informed Senior Center greeter, Friends of Marlborough Seniors Board member, and is always very aware of lending a hand to make something run smoother or to just help out.”
In nominating Beausoleil, Confrey mentioned that she also provides transportation to individuals needing rides to the post office, pharmacy, grocery store and other locations.
“She always does it willingly and doesn's expect any type of appreciation or even possible compensation,” he said.
In October 2012, Beausoleil was also honored by the South Middlesex Opportunity Council, the sponsoring agency for Roland's House. She was presented the M. Isabel Harrison Volunteer of the Year Award for her ongoing food contributions to the Homeless Shelter and for her friendly interaction with the staff and residents for the past four years. She was nominated by Gwen Pynes, director of the shelter.
“Our shelter guests and staff truly love Deb's spirit and look forward to seeing her every day,” Pynes said. “What did we ever do without her?”
For almost 40 years, Beausoleil served as the dining room manager at the Wayside Inn in Sudbury. Her husband, Paul, a past president of the Marlborough Eagles, is very supportive of her giving way of life. They have two daughters and two grandchildren.
BayPath Elder Services, founded in 1977, provides a multitude of programs and services for older adults, their families, caregivers, disabled individuals and professionals to 14 Metrowest communities, including Marlborough.
