Lucille C. (Champagne) Molleur

Lucille Champagne Molleur, 89, formerly of Manchester, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2021 in East Hartford, CT with her two daughters by her side. Born July 7, 1931 in Martinville, Canada to Joseph and Ernestine (Gagnon) Champagne. She grew up in Canada, moving to the U.S.A. in the 1950’s and became a proud U.S. Citizen.

Lucille retired from the State of CT Unemployment office on a golden handshake at the age of 55. She went on to work with F.E.M.A. for 10 years, her fondest memories were assisting in New York City after 9/11. It was there where she met Father C.W. Drance, who helped her with the difficult pain of being at ground zero. Lucille then went on to proudly serve as a French interpreter for five years for Independent Translation Co. in Manchester CT. 

Lucille knew how to live life to the fullest traveling, dancing, singing, cross country skiing, playing bingo, attending retreats, concerts, family get togethers, hot air balloons, boating, going to beaches, writing her autobiography and listening to her favorite song by Kenny Rogers “Lucille”. She loved music, nature and the beach, and enjoyed her time in Vermont and East Hampton, CT on the lake. Lucille made many memories at the French Club, French Jam and ALAnon. She also belonged to St. Bridget’s Parish and loved her retreats at “My Father’s House” in Moodus and the years she spent as part of the C.A.R.E.S. program in South Windsor.

Lucille was predeceased by her husband, Arthur Molleur and son Richard Maheu, formerly of Lebanon, CT and 8 siblings: Rollande Garneau, Real Champagne, Anita Dileva, Laura Champagne, , Aline, Rudolph and Gerard Champagne and Jeannette Roy. She leaves her two daughters Christiane Elyosius of Unionville CT and Janice Rataic, with whom she made her home in East Hartford CT, and son Gerry (Janna) Dileva of British Columbia. Lucille also leaves one sister Eliane St. Hilaire from Montreal Quebec and a loving daughter-in- law Donna (Brophy) Maheu of Lebanon, CT along with 9 grandchildren;  Kenneth (Kim) Elyosius of Unionville, CT, Dan (Kate) Elyosius of Georgia, Jessica (George) Sweetland of Columbia, CT, Melody (Steve) Zagurski of East Hampton, CT, Jeremy Maheu of Columbia, CT, Bethany (Mark) Martocci of Middletown, CT, Andrew Rataic of Austin, TX, Amber Dileva  and Kayla Dileva, both of British Columbia, Canada.  Lucille also leaves 11 great grandchildren: Jack, Kayla, Olivia, Sawyer, Marshall, Owen, Celine, Emmary, Ashton, Alissa, Brooklyn and one more expected in the Summer. She also leaves two great friends behind Blanche Perras and Ann Zanni who shared lots of her interest with her along with countless relatives and friends throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Special thanks to the Hartford Health Care Team and Father Ivan Bilyk, who brightened Lucille’s spirits. Much appreciation to her genuine friends, Blanch Perras and Annie Zanni, who was also a caregiver and Jody Carreiro who also took great care of her.

A Mass will be held Friday, February 12, 2021 at 10 am at St. Bartholomew Church, 736 Middle Turnpike East, Manchester, CT 06040, followed by inurnment in St. Bridget Cemetery, overlooking her home and Union Pond. We are proud of her accomplishments and her legacy will live on forever. At her request a celebration of her life will be scheduled later this year. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Assoc. or organization of your choice. To leave a memory or message of condolence, please visit www.holmeswatkins.com

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