1937 - 2016
Visitation
June 20, 20163:00 PM- 7:00 PM
Dolan Funeral Home
Funeral
June 21, 20168:00 AM
Dolan Funeral Home
Mrs. Jacquelyn M. Ayotte of North Chelmsford, MA died Wednesday afternoon, June 15, 2016 after a long battle with cancer surrounded by her family. She is survived by three sons and their wives, David and Patricia Ayotte of Chelmsford, Douglas and Karen Ayotte of Franklin, MA, Dean and Sue Ayotte of Groton, MA, a daughter and her husband, Dorothy and Robert Sapienza, Sr. of Carmel, IN, nine cherished grandchildren, Erica, Amanda, Jared, Andrew, Jennifer, and Sydney Ayotte, Taylor (and Andrew) Leduc, Jacquelyn and Robert Sapienza, Jr., a sister, Lenore Cadena of Mercedes, TX and a brother John Rodrigue of Lowell, a sister-in-law, Joanna Rodrigue of Nashua, NH, and a brother-in-law, Jack Higgins of Merrimack, NH, an uncle, Br. Norbert Rodrigue of Miami, FL, as well as many nieces, nephews, close family and friends.
Sadly, Jackie is predeceased by her brother, Michael Rodrigue of Nashua, NH, who passed away two hours prior to her own death.
She married her high school sweetheart, Harry J. Ayotte, in 1955 and was his beloved wife for 55 years until his death in 2011. She was his unwavering champion for his love of baseball and assisted with the coordination of his many teams. She would say her greatest accomplishment was her family and the ability to make everyone around her feel like cherished family.
Born in Lowell, in 1937, the daughter of Leonell and Dorothy (MacLean) Rodrigue and step-daughter of Evelyn Rodrigue. She was raised in Lowell and graduated from Keith Hall where she was Valedictorian and held the lead role in every school performance.
While raising four children, she worked full time. She was very proud of her work for Civil Defense, Dr. Hugh Mahoney, Harvard Community Health, but most proud of her long-time career as Co-Founder and Manager of Harry J. Ayotte Plumbing and Heating. She returned to school to graduate from UMass Lowell in 1993 with a degree in Business Administration.
In addition to her business career, Jackie worked tirelessly for the Chelmsford High School All Sports Booster Club. She was the first woman named President of the organization. She also volunteered for St. John the Evangelist Church with several positions including lector and finance committee. She was an avid needlework artist with hundreds of projects given as gifts throughout the years.
The family would like to thank the staff of Lowell General Hospital, The Cancer Center, and Life Care Center of Nashoba Valley in Littleton, MA for their devoted and compassionate care throughout her illness.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jackie’s memory to the Harry J. Ayotte Scholarship Fund at CHS Alumni Association 200 Richardson Road N. Chelmsford, MA 01863.
Visiting hours Mon. 3 to 7 P.M. Funeral Tues. at 8AM from the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 106 MIDDLESEX ST. CHELMSFORD, with a funeral Mass at 9AM at St. John the Evangelist Church in N. Chelmsford, MA. Burial in St. Joseph Cemetery, Chelmsford, MA. Memorials may be made in Jackie’s memory to the Harry J. Ayotte Scholarship Fund at CHS Alumni Association 200 Richardson Road N. Chelmsford, MA 01863. ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041.
Barbara Cecchini
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Dear Dorothy, Bob, Jackie, Robert and all of the Ayotte Family: My deep condolences for the loss of your beautiful Mother. Her life is a testament to her goodness, love for her family, intellect, and many varied accomplishments. Her legacy will never be forgotten. My love, thoughts, and prayers are with you.
John Doucette
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Dear Ayotte family,
We are sorry for your loss. Jackie was always so warm and caring and a gracious lady. We will miss her.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers,
John and Kellie Doucette
karen ritchotte
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So sorry for you loss. Jackie was a warm compassionate person loved by all that new here. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Karen & Ed Ritchotte (Rondeau)
Jay Antonetti
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To the Ayotte Family,
You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jay & Sharon Antonetti
Glenn and Carol Ruhl
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Our deepest condolences on your mom’s passing. She was a wonderful woman and always made us feel like part of the family. I remember last summer going to the house for an impromptu pool party, she loved having family and friends around her; she was truely in her element!! We have all been blessed to have her as part of our lives.
Denise Rondeau
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Sorry to hear that Jackie passed away. She will always be remembered with that beautiful smile. Our deepest condolences to her children & family. Our thoughts & prayers to you all.
Denise Rondeau & Willie Doby
Sun City West, AZ
Samantha Sage
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Dave, Doug, Dean, and Dorothy, your mom was an amazing woman that I am honored to have known. She always welcomed me with a smile and open arms. I have always admired how much her family loved her. She was the kind of woman you want to be like! I am so very sorry that you have all suffered a great loss. I love all of you…
Pat, Karen, Sue and Bob.. you have all been so blessed to have become a part of such an amazing family. I am so very sorry for your loss. To have known Jackie, is to have known a woman of class and dignity and compassion. Thinking of you all at this difficult time…
Erica, Amanda, Jared, Taylor, Andrew, Jennifer, Sydney, Jacqueline, and Robert… what an amazing grandmother you have been blessed to have known. I visited her recently and saw this really special “book” that was compiled and contained so many nice words you had for her… seeing photos of all of you and knowing just how close you all were to her really touched my heart. I am so sorry that you have endured such a great loss. I know that her legacy will live on through all of you. She will always be a part of you.
It truly has been an honor to be part of such a incredible family.
I am praying for all of you…
Sam (Higgins) Sage
Dorothy
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Thank you so much for your kindness, Sam. We will all miss her.
Thank you for coming to the funeral, it was good to see you and the kids.
Neal Casale
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Dean and family, so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. My mother passed away Father’s Day, and is listed just above your Mom, so I was not able to attend any of the services. My deepest condolences.
Frank Petrosino
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Dave, Doug, Dean and Dorothy and families, I met your Mom in 1961 while playing for the Orioles. In my last year in Lowell before moving to New York, your parents took me in for the final two weeks of the season as my family moved, and drove me to NY. We were at a baseball camp and a few of us were lost in the woods and your Mom led the way to find us, hugging me like I was her own child. These are just two little ways that your parents treated everyone. The love and kindness and compassion as impacted my life and I too give back to the community as a result. The respect and admiration I have for both of them will always be in my heart. The field they are on now is a glorious one!
God Bless and please accept my heartfelt sympathy.
Frank Petrosino
Dorothy
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Frank,
Thank you from all of us. These are the stories we will always treasure.
“The Four D’s and Families”