Edna M. Ringuette

GARDNER – Edna M. (Lajoie) Ringuette, 94, of 19 Knowlton Street, died peacefully Wednesday afternoon, December 2nd, at her residence following a brief illness with her family at her side.

She was born in Gardner on January 29, 1921, daughter of the late Arthur O. and Lottie S. (Machen) Lajoie and was a resident of Gardner for most of her life, having resided in East Templeton for several years, as well.  She was a member of Gardner High School Class of 1939.

Edna was a bookkeeper for many years and worked up until the age of 76.  Many years ago, she was the co-owner, with her husband Clu of Al and  Joe’s Taxi Stand, Dunn Park Drive-In and Clu’s Package Store of East Templeton.  For a brief time she taught English as a second language at Mount Wachusett Community College.  Edna had several hobbies including knitting, crocheting, sewing and doing crafts.  She made hand-stitched quilts for each of her granddaughters along with many hand-made dolls for them, as well as gifts for others.  Her work was detailed and meticulous.

Edna stayed physically active all of her life.  She enjoyed dancing and joined the Two Hearts As One square dancing club after her retirement.   She was a member of Silver Sneakers up until two years ago.  Edna was also a member of Gardner Golden Age Society, AARP and the “Chair City Belles” Red Hat Society.  Her greatest enjoyment was spending time with her family and hosting the Christmas Eve celebration in her home annually.

Her husband of 41 years, Claude O. Ringuette, died in 1982.  She leaves a daughter, Claudia Boynton and her husband Reed of Gardner; a son, Louis Ringuette and his wife Sharon of Gardner, who was her favorite nurse, who cared for her during her illness.  She also leaves three grandchildren, Crystal Boucher and her husband Jay, Jennifer Ringuette and Stephanie Ringuette, all of Gardner; three great grandchildren, Christopher, Shannon and Merrick; a brother, Tom Lajoie of Vermont and several nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by a sister, Leona Zub and her brothers, Arthur Lajoie, Louis Lajoie, Raymond Lajoie, Richard Lajoie, Gene Lajoie and Joseph Lajoie.

Funeral services will be held Monday December 7th at 11 A.M. in First Baptist Church, 14 High Street, Gardner.

Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery.

Calling hours in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon are Sunday, December 6th from 2 to 4 P.M.

Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church, 14 High Street, Gardner, MA 01440 or to GVNA Healthcare Hospice Program, 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner, MA 01440.

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