83, of Pawtucket passed away on Saturday, April 23, 2016 following a brief illness.

Born in Pawtucket, Mrs. Rondeau was the daughter of the late Laurence N. Hiorns and Emma (Harris) Hiorns. She lived in Pawtucket until 1955. Marriage and her teaching career took her to Arlington, Virginia; Oak Ridge, Tennessee; Drexel Hills, Pennsylvania; White Plains, New York; and Scarsdale, New York before returning to Rhode Island permanently in 1967. Upon her return, she resided in Pawtucket, Cranston, and Central Falls.

Growing up, Mrs. Rondeau showed talent as an actress and starred in many plays throughout her years at Pawtucket East (now Tolman) high school and Rhode Island College of Education (now Rhode Island College). In her mid-teens, she hosted two radio programs on WPAW in Pawtucket. The first show was geared toward children while the second show entertained teen agers and adults. The latter show provided her with the opportunity to interview notable celebrities of that time, including Rudy Vallee and Patti Page. She was also a member of the Order of the Rainbow, eventually serving as Worthy Advisor.

Combining her creativity with her teaching certificate, Mrs. Rondeau first taught elementary school during her time away from Rhode Island. Upon her return, she taught at East Avenue elementary school in Pawtucket as well as at the Glen Hills elementary school in Cranston. Her classes were notable for her out-of-the-box ideas to make learning both easier and more fun. She was known for being available to her students after hours, particularly those who wanted guidance from a caring and respected adult. Over the years, many of her former students reached out to her and thanked her for being such an important figure in their lives.

Eventually, Mrs. Rondeau retired from teaching and worked as a recruiter at Snelling and Snelling in Pawtucket, helping people find employment and providing career advice.

She is survived by her son Arthur E. Rondeau III of East Greenwich; her son and daughter-in-law Laurence N. and Suzanne Rondeau of Cumberland; and her cousin Lyndon (Hyde) Holderfield of North Carolina. She was the sister of the late Robert Hiorns.

Calling hours will be held at Keefe Funeral Home, Five Higginson Avenue, Lincoln, from 6-8 pm on Wednesday, April 27. Mrs. Rondeau's funeral will be private. In lieu of flowers and in keeping with Mrs. Rondeau's longstanding efforts to help others, a donation to the RI Community food bank, or to the charity of your choice, in her name would be greatly appreciated.