RAYMONDE (GODARD) BESSETTE

NEW HAVEN — Raymonde Bessette, 91, of New Haven, died Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, at her home with her loving family surrounding her. She was born March 4, 1932, in Crysler, Ontario, Canada, to Alcide and Marie Rose Godard.

She married Earl Bessette on July 7, 1949, at St. Peters Church in Vergennes.

Raymonde loved her family and was very faithful. After marrying Earl, she lived on Elgin Spring Farm with her husband, his parents, and their family. She was a very active member at St. Peters Catholic Church, where she was also a member of St. Anne’s Society. Raymonde was a loving mom and wonderful grandmother. She loved knitting, baking, and sewing and made many handmade items for her family, friends, and neighbors.

She is survived by her children, Earlene Smith of East Middlebury, Diane Bolduc (Eugene) of Shoreham, Alan Bessette (Debra), Denise Martin (Ray), Edward Bessette (Melanie), and Laurie Vincent (Brad) all of New Haven, and Lisa Bessette (Helen Myhre) of East Middlebury; her brothers Aurel Godard (Alice) of Meriden, Conn., Donald Godard of East Middlebury, Larry Godard (Linda) of Shelburne and Marcel (Paul) Godard (Nancy) of South Burlington; her sisters-in-law Rose Godard of South Burlington and Lois Zeno (Toby) of Monkton; 17 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all.

She was predeceased by her husband, Earl Bessette; her parents; her brothers Claude Godard, Rene Godard and Reynald Godard; and son-in-law Eddie Smith.

A funeral service for Raymonde will be held at St. Peters Catholic Church, 85 South Maple Street in Vergennes on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, at 1 p.m. with Father Steven Marchand officiating. Due to an event being held in the parish hall, parking may be limited. If necessary, please drop off loved ones and park at Vergennes Elementary or Big Barn Furniture. Interment will be held immediately following, at the Evergreen Cemetery on Town Hill Road in New Haven. All are invited to a gathering at the New Haven Town Hall following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to Elderly Services Inc. (elderlyservices.org), Addison County Home Health & Hospice (ACHHH.org), St. Peters Catholic Church or to an organization of your choice.

Arrangements under the direction of Sanderson-Ducharme Funeral Home. Online condolences at www.sandersonfuneralservice.com. ◊