Bernadette (Duquette) Lajoie

Bernadette L. (Duquette) Lajoie, 87 of Worcester, a wonderful wife and friend passed away Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at home with her devoted husband by her side,  after a period of declining health.

Bernadette was born in Worcester, one of four children of Philorome and Rose Anna (Prunier) Duquette.   Raised and educated here, she met, and in 1971, married the man who devoted his life and love to her for the next 50 years, Ernest A Lajoie.   They settled in the French neighborhood of Grafton Hill and lived there in love and dedication to each other.   

Bernadette worked many years for various companies, 17 of those years in the bakery department of Jordan Marsh Company before retiring in 1991.  She was affectionately referred to as the “Muffin Lady”.

Bernie is survived by her Love, Ernie;  Many nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends, including Jack and Susan Foley who checked in on them daily and Beth Sannella who took care of them, looked out for them and whom Bernadette and Ernie considered a daughter  Two brothers, Raymond and Richard  and a sister Irene Duquette all predeceased her. 

When not working, Bernadette and Ernie, enjoyed each other’s company, reading, doing crossword puzzles traveling notably to Hawaii, Arizona, Florida, and the Caribbean.  Until recently, Bernie and Ernest enjoyed coffee with friends each morning at the Grafton St McDonalds.  She was also gifted in crochet, many times designing and constructing hats for babies and family. 

Bernadette’s funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 11:00 am in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1290 Grafton St.   Burial will be at a later time.  Ernest will greet attendees from 10:15 to 11 am in church, prior to the Mass.  COVID restrictions in church masks and social distancing will be required.   Live streaming of the mass will be available at www.mercadantefuneral.com/liveservices  beginning at 11 am.   In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Lourdes church, 1290 Grafton Street 01604.    The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St is honored to assist the family with arrangements.