Granby Obituary: Elise Charette, 82

Elise “Lisa” S. Charette, 82, beloved wife of Harold, passed away unexpectedly on August 8, 2017 at her home in Granby.

Daughter of the late Joseph Simonin and Elsie Bergemann, Lisa was born in Waterbury and spent the early part of her childhood at the Highland Heights orphanage in New Haven. In her teen years, she was fostered by a loving couple, Claire and Joseph Bernetich of East Windsor, and graduated from Windsor High School in 1953.

In 1955 she married Harold Charette who became her lifelong companion for over 60 years. The couple began their lives together renting a small apartment in Hartford and soon after relocated to Granby, where they have lived for 58 years.

Lisa was a devoted wife, nurturing mother of eight children who always placed the needs of her family before her own. As further testament to her selfless and caring nature, she worked as a nursing assistant at the McLean Home in Simsbury.

Lisa was bright and easily mastered new skills and hobbies. She was a talented artist and quilter; a wonderful cook and baker; and loved her flowers and gardens. She enjoyed bowling, tennis, golf, and was a long time member of the Copper Hill Golf Club. She enjoyed socializing—her arms were open to all—and made friends everywhere she went.

In addition to her husband, Lisa leaves behind her children, Rick and Linda Rydingsward of North Carolina; Gary and his wife Ann Marie of Windsor Locks; Cindy White and Bob Flagg of East Hartland; Kim Walls and her husband David of Kentucky; Lisa and her husband Peter Peterson of Feeding Hills, MA; Mark and his wife Lisa of Broad Brook; Harold “Chip” and his wife Eileen of Abu Dubai UEA; a sister, Janet Simonin and brother, Boyd Simonin of Bantam; 19 grandchildren, Chelsea and Evan Reinault, Mitchel Charette, Alexander Charette, Lindsay Charette, Debra White, Rebecca White, Shelly Flagg, Amanda Chamberlain and Josh Cramer, Alissa and Duff Routhier, Chantel and Billy Hallgren, Scott and Michele Chamberlain; Tina and Jason Cramer, John and Carmelina Wilkie, Christine and Tom Downes, Susan Butler and James Alejandro, Nicklaus Charette, Ruben Spice, Victoria Kent; and 18 great grandchildren. She leaves behind many beloved friends in Connecticut and Florida. She was predeceased by her son Perry; a sister, Shirley Byrne; and four brothers, Joseph, George, Richard, and Charles.

Her family will receive friends at the Hayes-Huling & Carmon Funeral Home, 364 Salmon Brook St., Granby on Tuesday, August 15, 2017 from 4 - 7 p.m. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St Therese Church, 120 W. Granby Rd., Granby at 10 a.m. on Wednesday with burial following in Granby cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent in her name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN.