Northborough – June M. Dufresne, 87, a longtime resident of Northborough, passed away on Monday, January 29, 2024, at UMass Memorial Medical Center University Campus in Worcester, MA. We are grateful for the love and care she received there during her final days.
She was the devoted wife of Earl L. Dufresne for 56 years until his passing in 2013. June is survived by her daughter, Merry Pellegrino, and husband, Gary, of West Brookfield; her son, Alan Dufresne, and wife, Patricia, of Groton; five grandchildren: April, Louis, and Roy Pellegrino, and Charlotte and Timothy Dufresne; her granddaughter April’s fiancé, Edward Gustafson; and her grandson Louis’ girlfriend, Emily Richards. Her brother, Bruce Walker of California, passed away in 2016.
June was born on Flag Day, June 14th, 1936, and raised in Marlborough. She was the daughter of the late Philo and Lillian (Temple) Walker. When she was young, she was active with the Rainbow Girls, an organization that provides young women with opportunities for personal growth, emphasizing values such as friendship, leadership, and service to others. She graduated from Marlborough High School in 1957.
June was a faithful member of Rice Memorial Baptist Church, where she found joy in attending services and partaking in church dinners. She found fulfillment in spending time with family, friends, and animals, frequenting Dunkin’ Donuts, dining out, shopping, and socializing at the Northborough Senior Center. Over the past year, June called Christopher Heights of Worcester her home, where she engaged in social activities, fostered new friendships, and expressed her creativity through crafting.
June was a social butterfly and made friends wherever she went – with a kind word, a sweet smile, and a twinkle in her eye. Her love and passion for animals led her to have many pets over the years. Duke, Zoro, Teddy, and Bart were the dogs with whom she found the most cheer and companionship. She delighted in her children and grandchildren, cherished photos of them, and always had brag books on hand.
As a dedicated Guardian of The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, her profound care for the well-being of animals was matched only by her compassion and generosity, always supporting the ASPCA’s vital work.
June touched the lives of many with her gentle spirit, empathy, sense of humor, and tenacity. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. We take comfort in knowing that her spirit will continue to shine bright in our memories, guiding us with her love for years to come.
Visiting hours will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday, February 6, at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St., Northborough. June’s funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 7, at Rice Memorial Baptist Church, 85 Lincoln Street, Northborough. Burial will follow in Howard St. Cemetery, Northborough.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in June’s name to the Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden Street, Worcester, MA 01606 (https://worcesterarl.org/).
To leave an online condolence, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.
