Doris Irene (Bessette) Godard
Bristol
Doris Irene (Bessette) Godard’s journey of life entered Eternal Glory to be with her beloved son Darrell on Tuesday May 16, 2017 after residing at home, where it was filled with love and devotion.
Doris was born on Elgin Spring Farm, in New Haven on Monday, November 26, 1934 to the late parents of Solon and Helen (Fletcher) Bessette. Growing up on the family farm. Doris was devoted to sharing the chores with her three siblings. Times were trying during the Depression years and she often helped her father in the farm fields of home and neighbors.
After Doris graduated from Beeman Academy in 1952, she became the women’s basketball coach of which they made several years of State Championships, an honor she was proud of.
In 1953 she met the love of her life Donald, and they married on October 12, 1957. They shared and endured the loss of their only son, Darrell, who was tragically killed in 1988.
Doris believed in raising their own children and teaching them the meaning of motherhood love. Once their children were in school, Doris went to work as a cafeteria cook at Bristol Elementary. The kitchen was her haven and she became well known for her macaroni and cheese, rolls, beet pickles and mincemeat cookies.
Doris enjoyed gardening and crocheting. She often donated full size afghans to area rescue squads, church bazaars, friends and family. To those people she passed on the warmth of love and friendship.
Doris leaves the legacy of her life to her devoted and caring husband Donald, and daughter Cheryl Godard of East Middlebury; special granddaughter Emily Godard Budney (Tim) of Zelienople, PA and great grandson Max; step granddaughter Caisey Kurek of Brooksfield; her siblings Earl Bessette (Raymonde) of New Haven and Lois Zeno (Leonard) of Monkton and many inlaws, nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by son Darrell, her parents, and sister Eleanor Hawley.
Doris’ family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Addison County Home Health and Hospice and Hospice Volunteer Services who not only became her friends, but family. You were her “earthly angels” and fulfilled our dream for her to remain at home over the years.
Doris’ wishes were there be no calling hours. A celebration of life will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 20th at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Bristol.
Due to the overwhelming support, the family would appreciate donations, in lieu of flowers, in Doris’ memory to ACHHH PO Box 764, Middlebury, VT 05753 or to Hospice Volunteer Services, PO Box 772, Middlebury, VT 05753 as both organizations were instrumental in Doris’ footprints in life. To send online condolences to her family please visit brownmcclayfuneralhomes.com
