Obituary of Leola (Lee) M. Ouellette

Leola (Lee) M. Ouellette, 96 years old, of Peabody died Wednesday morning at the Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover, NH. She passed peacefully following a brief illness, surrounded by family. She was the devoted wife of Joseph N. Ouellette, with whom she shared over 62 years of marriage. Born in Van Buren, ME, she was the daughter of Beloni and Marie Chasse and was the seventh of 14 children. She was raised and educated in Van Buren, ME, and was the Valedictorian of Sacred Heart High School class of 1943. Lee, known as Memere, found great joy in watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren over the years and being involved in their lives. The family gratefully acknowledges the wonderful neighbors and friends she had in Peabody, whom she and the family considered to be extended family. During the last year of her life, Lee lived at Bellamy Fields Assisted Living Facility in Dover, NH. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff for their excellent care and loving attention. Lee is survived by her five children: Gigi Wentzell & husband David of Salem; Norma Bazylinski & husband Paul of South Berwick, ME; Elaine Ouellette of Haverhill; Mark Ouellette & wife Annie of Slingerlands, NY; and Janet Broughton & husband Robert of Peabody. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Kristin (Wentzell) Dennis & husband Christopher; Erik Mertsch; Scott Wentzell; Colette Bazylinski; Joshua Mertsch; Robert Broughton, Jr. & wife Caitlin; Nikki (Broughton) Brickett & husband Zachary; Katelyn Ouellette DiPaola & husband David; Daniel Mertsch; Timothy Ouellette; Michael Broughton; and Casey Broughton. She was a loving great-grandmother to six beautiful great-grandchildren: Maddy and Jake Dennis; Bowie and Layne Broughton; Luna Brickett; and Jocelyn DiPaola. She leaves behind her brothers Aurelien and Emilio Chasse, sisters Susie Chasse and Jeanine Lynch, as well as several nieces and nephews. The family will hold a private service and funeral on Friday, April 9th, at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Ann’s Church, and internment at Cedar Grove Cemetery, all located in Peabody. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, a long-time favorite charity of Lee’s. The Memorial Fund can be accessed at: http://giftfunds.stjude.org/LeolaOuellette