GENE A. COURNOYER (FIELDING )

Gene Agnes (Fielding) Cournoyer, 79, left our world but not our hearts on January 25, 2022. She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family, after an almost 4-year battle with cancer.

Gene was born on February 3, 1942, in Gardner, to Agnes (Desmond) Fielding and Howard Fielding. Gene had fond memories of her childhood in Gardner with her sister and best friend Carol Boudreau and brother Charles Fielding.

After graduating from Gardner High School, Gene moved to Worcester to pursue her education in Nursing. She was proud to be a graduate of St. Vincent Hospital School of Nursing. Gene had such a passion for nursing that her career lasted 50 years! Some of Gene’s favorite days practicing as a nurse were spent on 2 Duckworth at Hahnemann Hospital. Many lifelong friendships were established on 2-D. Gene finished her career at UMASS Memorial, where she continued to work even beyond retirement.

She was a woman of deep faith, and always exuded compassion and kindness to all who were in her presence.

Gene was the beloved wife of Ronald J. Cournoyer for 58 years. Their life together brought them on many adventures. They were especially fond of their retirement years wintering in Nokomis, FL together. They made some wonderful friends and lasting memories there.

Gene took such pride in raising 5 daughters, who were all by her side every day until her passing. She is survived by Deb Feeley and husband John of Worcester; Denise O’Connor and husband Philip of Worcester; Donna Pursel and husband Brendan of Hull; Darcy Pratt and husband Robert of Dudley; and Danielle Binienda and husband Jamie of East Sandwich.

Gene truly loved being a grandmother and a great-grandmother. She leaves 14 grandchildren; John, Daniel, and Laura Feeley; Tiffani O’ Brien; Timothy, Lindsey and Zachary O’Connor; Chrystal McCarthy; Walter and Lucas Patenaude; Brendan and Meghan Pratt; and Abby and J.T. Binienda.

She also leaves 8 great-grandchildren who always brought a smile to her face during their visits. She leaves Aiden, Travis, Gavin, Mackenzie, Quinn, Maeve, Kaia, and Laurel.

Gene is also survived by her sister Carol Boudreau and husband Norman Boudreau of Fitchburg; brother Charles Fielding of Gardner, many cousins, nieces and nephews, and lifelong friends.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at the UMASS Cancer Center, the Jewish Healthcare Center, and Notre Dame Hospice. The care and compassion shown to Gene during her final months will never be forgotten.

Relatives and friends are invited to join the family from 3:30 to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, February 2nd at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00am Thursday, February 3rd at St. George Church. 40 Brattle St, Worcester with burial to follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Ave, Paxton. Due to Covid-19, appropriate social distancing and wearing of a mask is required. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gene’s name to Notre Dame Hospice, 555 Plantation St, Worcester, MA 01605.