Obituary: Annette T. Lessard, 92, Of Milford

Information via Cody-White Funeral Home

MILFORD, CT — Annette T. Lessard, 92, of Milford (previously of Springdale/Stamford), beloved wife of the late Robert J. Lessard, passed away on December 18, 2023. Born on March 5, 1931, in Laconia, New Hampshire, she was the youngest of six children born to the late Leonelle and Almande (Lavoie) Cartier.

Annette Cartier met Bob Lessard when they were both working at a regional hospital in New Hampshire. Married in 1949 at the age of 18 and 22, they began their life there. They moved to Stamford, CT and in 1961, made Springdale their family home. In 2003, Annette moved to Milford. She lived on her own until this past May, moving to her new home, Bishop Wicke Health Center in Shelton.

In Springdale, Annette was very active with the Ladies Auxiliary of the Springdale Volunteer Fire Department celebrating St. Patrick?s Day (feeding hundreds with corned beef and cabbage), Christmas (Santa arriving via fire truck to see 100 excited children), and New Years? Eve (where balloons would fall from the ceiling as everyone cut it up on the dance floor). She loved any Danielle Steel book, every sunset at a beach, and a nice walk whenever and wherever possible. Her walks with her husband were always her hand in his until Bob passed in 1986. Now she can wrap him in her arms once again.

Annette, known to some as Mommy and to others as Mere-Mere, was the most humble and loving person in all the lives that she touched. Raising five boys is no easy task, but she excelled at it. Devoted to her children, family, and friends ? she always rallied to get everyone together to share a meal, tear up the dance floor, or simply have a cup of coffee in the morning or tea in the evening. As the grandchildren grew up, she was there to watch a baseball game, a karate class, observe a dance recital, play catch in the backyard, or read a story to whomever was sitting in her lap. She was of modest taste and simple style, but always looked like a million dollars. Her smile was worth two million.

Annette will be truly missed by her loving children, Robert (Darlene), Mark (Debbie), Brian (Nancy), Paul (Lisa) and daughter in law Niki. Annette also leaves behind her adoring grandchildren, Robert (Sarah), Christopher (Emily), Matthew, Stephen, Timothy, Jessica (Tim), Kaitlin (Steve), Emily (Jon), Alec (Caitlin), Grace (Paul), Anne and Nicole. Annette also leaves behind her most precious great grandchildren Sophie, Claire, Cameron, Cash, Ginny, and Natalie. In addition, Andrew and Alyssa Rosen held an incredibly special place in Mere-Meres heart. Annette was predeceased by her son Michael, her granddaughter Tina, and siblings, Louise Triantafilu, Rita Paquette, Henry Cartier, Rudolph Cartier, and Robert Cartier.

The Lessard family would like to add a special thank you to the aide and nursing staff of Bishop Wicke Health Center. Their dedication to ensuring Mere-Mere was healthy, comfortable, freshly manicured, and well taken care of will be fondly remembered.

Friends and family may call from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday December 21, 2023, at the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 BROAD ST., MILFORD, CT.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday December 22, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. at Saint Mary Church (Precious Blood Parish) 70 Gulf St., Milford, CT (MEET DIRECTLY AT CHURCH). Interment will follow at St. John Cemetery, 25 Camp Ave, Darien, CT 06820.