Hudson – Rose-Marie Claire (Ritchotte) Bissonnette, 76, a long-time resident of Hudson, MA and currently residing in Lancaster, MA, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Friday, August 25, 2023. She was the beloved wife of the late Peter C. Bissonnette who died in 1997.
Rose-Marie was born in Worcester, MA, daughter of the late Wilfred and Emelda (Lernar) Ritchotte. She was raised mostly in Worcester attending local schools and graduated from Marlborough High School. She was employed as a supervisor by Rennaisance Electronics & Communications in Harvard, MA until recently retiring in 2021. Rose-Marie founded the New England Amputee Association in 2004; she served as the Vice Chairperson of the Lancaster Disability Commission and was a Certified Amputee Pier Counselor. She has resided in Lancaster for the past 26 years and was very active in her community. She was a member of Saint Michael Parish in Hudson, MA.
Rose-Marie is survived by her 3 sons, David Cardillo and his wife Ruth of Florida, Will Cardillo and his wife Cat of Washington State and Mark Cardillo and his wife Nicole of Hawaii. She is also survived by her six grandchildren, Amanda Cardillo, Zachary Cardillo, Hannah Cardillo, Matthew Cardillo, Kupono Cardillo, and Kalena Cardillo; her many cousins, other relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her brother Robert Montreuil.
Rose-Marie dedicated much of her spare time as a counselor and organizer for many amputees in the New England region. She founded the New England Amputee Association in 2004. During recovery following an auto accident in 1996, Rose discovered that beyond critical medical care, there were no resources and scant support for new amputees in Massachusetts. Her passion was helping others and improving the quality of life for so many. She truly cherished the times she spent with her family, especially later with her grandchildren. When she needed some time for recreation she enjoyed the lakes in New Hampshire, mostly Lake Winnipesaukee. Her efforts and support for so many will always be remembered by all who loved and knew her.
She deeply loved her family and friends. Loved to tell stories and enjoyed the laughter that ensued.
Relatives and friends are invited to a period of visitation from 4 to 7pm on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home, 50 Central St., Hudson, MA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Friday, September 1, 2023 at Saint Michael Parish, 21 Manning St., Hudson, MA; followed by a procession to Saint Michael Cemetery in Hudson, MA for Committal Services.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Rose-Marie may be made to: Nashoba Neighbors, P.O. Box 123, Bolton, MA 01740 or www.nashobaneighbors.org.
