Bertha T. Ouellette, a beloved matriarch, devoted mother, and cherished grandmother, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2024, surrounded by her loving family at Hope Hospice. She was 100 years old, having been born on May 6, 1924, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, to the late Joseph and Helen (Lugin) Pakuc.
Bertha lived a remarkable and full life that spanned a century. She was married for 56 wonderful years to the late Clarence R. Ouellette. She is preceded in death by her brothers John, Stanley, Victor, Walter Pakuc, her sister Genevieve Jennings, and her beloved grandson Gregory Ouellette.
Her memory will be cherished by her three sons, David F. Ouellette (Judith), Joseph R. Ouellette (Lisa), and Stephen G. Ouellette (Jerrie), as well as her daughter, Mary Ann Fontaine (Lucien). Bertha was a proud grandmother of —John, Marc, Kelsie, Luke, Matthew, Jessica, and Sarah —and a loving great-grandmother to four great-grandchildren. Each of them carries a piece of her spirit, and they will remember her as a guiding light in their lives.
Educated and wise, Bertha was a devout Catholic, never missing Mass and instilling the importance of faith in her family. Her life revolved around her children and their passions, and she was often found cheering for them at their ballgames and dance recitals. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as playing cribbage, Hi Lo Jack, and Bingo with her granddaughter Jessica. An avid sports fan, Bertha especially enjoyed watching football and baseball.
Travel was another passion for Bertha, as she loved visiting Las Vegas with her husband.
Bertha was not just a mother and grandmother; she was the heart of her family. Her warmth, kindness, and unwavering support shaped the lives of those around her.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, December 28th at 10:00am at the Historic St. Joseph Church, 1303 Mendon Rd, Cumberland. Burial will be private at R.I. Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to Historic St. Joseph Church, located at 1303 Mendon Rd, Cumberland, RI 02864 or Hope Health Hospice at https://www.hopehealthco.org/ways-to-give/donatenow/.