Jeanette F. Fecteau, 94, passed away peacefully and in the comfort of family at Heaton Woods in Montpelier on Sunday afternoon, October 6, 2019. Born in Westerly, RI, on December 26, 1924, she was the daughter of the late James and Marguerite (Connors) Kelliher.
Jeanette was a 1942 graduate of St. Michael’s School in Pawcatuck, CT. On October 5, 1946, she married Arthur O. Fecteau in Pawcatuck. Arthur predeceased his bride of 38 years on July 26, 1984.
Following their marriage, Jeanette and Arthur made their home in Pawcatuck before moving to the Mad River Valley in 1966. A woman of great faith, Jeanette was an active parishioner at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church in Waitsfield and enjoyed thoroughly her mission as a CCD educator, teaching second-grade classes both from her home and at the parish Founders Hall. One of her former students, Liz Mays Harris, shared this thought with Jeanette’s family: “I can remember the smells of your parents’ house, sitting at the kitchen table while our Moms had tea and talked about life and religion. I reflect back on CCD as a child, your Mom sweet and kind, stern and fair. I know she is in her place with God and your Dad. She is definitely enjoying her eternal life.”
Jeanette loved being a mom and in earlier years, was active in the Fayston PTA. She is fondly remembered for her abilities as a baker and all-around wonderful cook and her creative talents in sewing, knitting, embroidery and her green thumb for gardening.
She is loved and mourned by her children, Bernadette Hood of Montpelier, Ted Fecteau and his wife Nancy of Barre Town, and James Fecteau and his wife Jessica of Huntington; her 12 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; a sister, Sheila Delvy of Westerly, RI; as well as nieces, nephews and extended family. Jeanette was predeceased by two children, Jeanette Langevin and Peter Fecteau; and six siblings, Marie Sullivan, Helen Henry, Margaret Richards, Patricia Bressette, James Kelliher and Carl Kelliher.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from St. Andrew Catholic Church in Waterbury on November 2, 2019, at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow in the parish hall. Inurnment will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery in Duxbury. Friends may call at Perkins-Parker Funeral Home in Waterbury on November 1, 2019, from 6 to 8 p.m. For those who wish, memorial gifts would be appreciated to Heaton Woods, 10 Heaton Street, Montpelier, VT 05602. To send online condolences visit www.perkinsparker.com or the funeral home Facebook page.
