Jeannine M. (LaVault) Duchaine, 89

Dec 21, 2020

Jeannine M. (LaVault) Duchaine, 89, passed away peacefully on Dec. 15, 2020 at home in Mattapoisett surrounded by family.

She was the wife of the late Paul A. Duchaine with whom she shared 54 years of marriage.

Born in New Bedford, daughter of the late Hector and Blanche (Gaudette) LaVault, she lived in New Bedford and Mattapoisett most of her life. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her five brothers, Paul, Larry, Marcel, Robert, John, and her sister Gloria.

Jeannine graduated from St. Anthony’s High School in New Bedford where she claimed she never missed a day.

After marriage, Jeannine was a stay at home mom, creating a loving environment for her husband and children. A devout Catholic, she attended St. Anthony’s parish regularly with her family. She was always a generous, elegant woman with considerable style and grace.

She was blessed with five children, Nina and her husband Rory, the late Paula Mee and her husband William, David and his partner Monette, Linda and her partner Bob, and Joseph. Grandchildren include David and Ryan Mee, Devin Vachon, Lindsey and Edward Smith, Jeannine and Gisele Duchaine; and two great grandchildren William and Emily Vachon.

Jeannine enjoyed playing golf and was a long time member of the Reservation Golf Club in Mattapoisett as well as the New Bedford Country Club. She also enjoyed traveling to Florida every year to visit her sister Gloria on Marco Island and her brother John in Fort Lauderdale.

She found her calling as the consummate hostess and party planner. She had a flair for decorating and a knack for crafting festive surroundings for any occasion. In the early days of the Sunbeam Bakery, the employees looked forward to the annual holiday party where Jeannine organized and decorated the finest party for all to enjoy.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, December 22 at 11AM at St. Anthony’s Church in Mattapoisett. Her burial will be private.

Please be advised that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there are strict guidelines that must be adhered to for the safety of everyone. You must wear a mask to be allowed entry to the services. Please practice social distancing and avoid any close contact. Capacity at the church will be limited. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.