Rachel Paradis Obituary

BRISTOL

Rachel Girardin Bolduc Paradis, aged 96 passed away peacefully in Bristol CT, on December 27, 2025 after a brief illness. Rachel was born September 6, 1929, in Rumford, Maine, the daughter of Donat Girardin and Victoria LeBlond. Rachel lived in Maine until age 14 when her family moved to Hartford, CT and became members of St. Ann's Church and French community of Park St. She attended high school at the Sister's of St. Chretienne convent in Salem, MA for 2 years before coming back home and going to work at the Underwood Co. There, she met her first husband, Arthur Bolduc and they married in 1950. They happily raised three sons and a daughter, until the untimely death of Art in 1960, which left Rachel alone to support and care for her young children. In 1988 Rachel was introduced to Ed (Pete) Paradis at a St. Patrick's Day dance by Pete's sister Loretta, (who also introduced Rachel to her first husband, Art!) and they married one year later. After 29 years alone, Rachel found someone to love again and she was very happy, as were her family. She moved to Bristol and became part of St. Anne's Church and the French Canadian community. Rachel's life with Pete was filled with good times, travel, and eating out as often as possible. She welcomed the birth of many grand and step grand children, and was blessed to be able to see them have children of their own. She loved to watch them grow and thrive. Rachel's life in her later years was very challenging for her and her loved ones. Health issues became the focus. Right by her side every step of the way was Pete. He was the rock she stood on and the hands that held her steady. There are no words that can thank him enough for this. Through his love and constant care, Rachel was able to be with us this long. Rachel is survived by her husband Edwin (Pete) Paradis, and her sister Sr. Jeanne Girardin of Marlboro MA. Her children are Pam Bolduc (Doug McCorkle) of E. Hampton CT, Larry Bolduc (Helen Adams) of Stratford CT, Mick Bolduc (Jody Cormack) of Middletown CT and Alan Bolduc (Nancy Wickett) of Middletown CT; step-children Diane Collett (Paradis) and Dan of Bolton MA, Bob and Janet Paradis of Bristol, and Dan Paradis of Enfield. She also leaves behind her much loved 11 grand and step-grand

children, her 6 great and step great-grandchildren, and numerous other relatives and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday (January 2, 2026) at 10:30 a.m. at St. Ann Church, 215 West St., Bristol. followed by a private service at Soldier's Field at Northwoods Cemetery, Windsor. There are no calling hours. Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol is honored to serve the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the to General Fund, Building Fund or the Scholarship Fund of the Archdiocese-Catholic Academy of Hartford, 467 Bloomfield Ave, Bloomfield CT 06002. Please visit Rachel's memorial website at www.FunkFuneralHome.com.

Rachel Girardin Bolduc Paradis