Obituary: Rita Marie Canuel and Anicet Joseph Canuel

From Legacy.com

Rita Marie Canuel

Belchertown, Massachusetts
Jan 7, 1933 – Aug 9, 2019

Rita Marie Canuel, 86, passed away on August 9, 2019, joining her husband Anicet Joseph Canuel, who recently passed away July 30th. The family finds comfort in knowing they are now eternally reunited.

Born January 7, 1933 in Colchester, Vermont, she was the daughter of Antoine and Alberta (Laroche) Gagne and a sister to many siblings. Rita was a devoted wife and caring mother. She will forever be remembered for her sweet and patient nature, reminiscent of her late mother's. Rita enjoyed going out to dinner, socializing and twirling around the dance floor with her husband.

As a devout catholic, Rita recited her rosary prayers every day and was a longtime communicant of St. Francis Church in Belchertown.

She will be dearly missed by her beloved children, Constance Canuel of Springfield, Daniel Canuel of CT, Coleen and David Smolinski of Ludlow, Angela and Thomas Bamber of Ludlow, Philip and Margarita Canuel of Belchertown, Pamela Canuel of Belchertown. She also leaves 12 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild along with extended family. Besides her husband, she was predeceased by her son, Alexis Canuel in 2007.

Visitation of both Rita Marie and Anicet Joseph was Tuesday, Aug. 13th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home. Friends and family may gather at the funeral home Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. to proceed to a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis Church.

They will be laid to rest side by side in South Cemetery in Belchertown.

Donations may be made in her memory to St. Francis Church, PO Box 612, Belchertown, MA 01007. For details, please visit www.beersandstory.com

Obituary courtesy of Beers and Story Funeral Home

Anicet Joseph Canuel

September 25, 1920 - July 30, 2019

Belchertown - Anicet Joseph Canuel, 98, passed away on July 30, 2019 with his wife by his side. Born September 25, 1920 in Saint Antoine de Padoue, Quebec, Canada, he was the son of Antonin and Florentine (Otis) Canuel.

Growing up in a large family in Canada, "Joe" moved to Maine and then Springfield. Since 1973, the family has lived in Belchertown. As a welder and lumberjack, Joe was very handy and always puttering around his home. He loved to dance and play the harmonica and accordion. In fact, music is what brought Joe and his wife, Rita, together.

As a devout Catholic, Joseph was a longtime communicant of St. Francis Church in Belchertown. He will be dearly missed by his wife of 69 years, Rita (Gagne), along with their children, Constance Canuel of Springfield, Daniel Canuel of CT, Coleen and David Smolinski of Ludlow, Angela and Thomas Bamber of Ludlow, Philip and Margarita Canuel of Belchertown, Pamela Canuel of Belchertown. He also leaves 12 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild along with extended family in Canada. He was predeceased by his son, Alexis Canuel in 2007.

Visitation was held Tuesday Aug 13th for Anicet and his wife Rita from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home. Friends and family may gather at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home to form a procession to St. Francis Church for a 10:00 a.m. Mass. Burial will follow in South Cemetery. Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Services are pending at this time and will be updated when finalized.

Donations may be made in his memory to St. Francis Church, PO Box 612, Belchertown, MA 01007.