Jean (Bourassa) Binette, 75 of Worcester, passed away with her family gathered by her side, Wednesday, July 19th 2017.

Jean was born on June 25th 1942, in New Bedford, a daughter of Arthur “Pete” and Louise (Derosier) Bourassa. Raised in New Bedford, Jean graduated from New Bedford Vocational High School where she was the head cheerleader. On her eighteenth birthday June 25th 1960, she married the “Love of Her Life”, Eugene J. Binette. They recently celebrated their 57th anniversary. They settled in Worcester and began to raise their family. The Matriarch of her family, she devoted her entire life to her beloved family and friends.

Jean worked as a cashier and union steward for the Stop & Shop Company many years in the Webster Square, Westborough and Lincoln Plaza Store, before retiring.

Jean is survived by her husband, Eugene J. Binette; her seven children Richard J. Binette of Oxford, Raymond L. Binette of Worcester, Jeanine Publicover of Paxton, Joseph J. Binette of Mashpee, Sue Ellen M. Fairbanks of Cherry Valley, Ronald A. Binette of Thompson CT, and Robert H. Binette of Shrewsbury; a brother, Joseph Bourassa and his wife Janice of Dartmouth; seventeen grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. She was predeceased by her son Craig E. Binette.

She was a member of Saint Joan of Arc Church and the UFCW (United Food and Commercial Workers Union local 1445). Jean was a beautiful person, who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life; spending time with family, knitting, crochet, making Afghans for all her loved ones, among others and just being with her family. Jean truly believed that faith, and family were the most important parts of life. She was also a foster mother, neighborhood mother, welcoming her children’s friends into her home at any time. No one ever left there hungry or without having something to eat. She had room in her heart for everyone and was very generous with her love, time and resources, and helped anyone she could. She will never be forgotten and truly missed.

Jean donated her body to the Harvard Medical School. A Memorial Celebration of Life Mass will be held Tuesday, July 25th at 1 pm in St Joan of Arc Church, 570 Lincoln St. Burial will be at a later date. Memorial remembrances in her name can be made to the Rose Monahan Hospice Residence, care of the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Mass, 120 Thomas St. Worcester, MA. 01608. The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.