Jeannine L. Whitaker

Jeannine L. Whitaker, of 71B Hyde Park Drive, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at Heywood Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Born May 15, 1947, in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, Jeannine was the eldest daughter of the late Wilfred and Marriete Bussiere. She spent most of her life as a resident of Winchendon, Massachusetts. Jeannine graduated from Murdock High School in 1965 and cherished her lifelong friendships with her "lunch bunch". Everyone who knew her could feel the love she shared with her family and friends.

In November 1965, Jeannine married her sweetheart, Bruce Whitaker who predeceased her in 2020. Together, they built a loving family and shared many cherished memories. They were married for 55 years. They spent most of their time away at the camp on Lake Mopang in Maine, enjoying fishing and trail riding. Jeannine was always a good sport, accompanying Bruce on many hunting trips.

Jeannine worked for many years as a preschool assistant teacher at Rainbow Stew, where she touched the lives of many families with her kind and generous spirit. She was affectionately known as "Memere" to many of the children who attended and left a lasting impression on all she taught. A lifelong parishioner at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Winchendon, Jeannine was a devoted Catholic and active member of her faith community. Jeannine was an avid New England sports fan, and enjoyed many Patriots games with her brother, Keith.

Jeannine is survived by her four children: Christine Betourney of Lithonia, Georgia; Julie Lashua and her husband, Michael of Winchendon; Pamela Saulnier and her husband, Steven of Winchendon; and Thomas Whitaker and his partner Jacki, of Wasilla, Alaska. She was a proud grandmother to ten grandchildren: Eric Saulnier and fiancée, Alaina, Cassandra Betourney, Scott Betourney and his partner, Alex, Macy Saulnier and her fiancée Brandon, Maggie Tetreault and her husband Zachary, Erica Lashua, Thayer Whitaker, Kaya Whitaker, Olivia Webb and Kai Whitaker. Her great-grandchildren--Tyson Lauletta, Lukas Lauletta, and Carmen Saulnier held a special place in her heart.

She was the oldest of ten siblings and is survived by sisters Suzanne (Dwayne) Schaefer, Doreen (Dick) Ames, Denise (Alan) Thibault, Brenda (Fred) Klinger, brothers John (Marilyn) Bussiere, Keith (Darlene) Bussiere, Michael (Barbara) Bussiere, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Donations can be made in Jeannine's memory to the Winchendon CAC.

She was predeceased by her brother, Raymond Bussiere and sister, Nancy Duffy.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central St., Winchendon.

A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Saturday, December 6th at 11:00 AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 52 Spruce St.,Winchendon.