Donat L. Rousseau

Donat L. “Don” Rousseau, age 102, of Methuen died at Lowell General Hospital on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of the late Therese J. (Elie) Rousseau, until her passing in 2008.

He was born in Lowell on July 2, 1924, a son of the late Parmelia (Parent) and Joseph Rousseau. At the young age of 17, Don proudly went on to serve his country in the United States Navy, during War World II. He was deeply proud of his service to his country, his fellow service members and the family he built upon returning home.

A man of many hats throughout the years, Don worked in a variety of different industries and held many different positions. One of his greatest accomplishments was building their family home on Newbury Street in Dracut, a labor of love that reflected his craftsmanship, determination and vision.

A devote Catholic, Don lived a life rooted in deep faith, prayer and service to others. A former parishioner of St. Francis Church on the former site of Methuen Street in Dracut and parishioner of St. Lucy Church. He carried his faith outside the church walls through a lifelong commitment to “paying it forward.” Quietly covering a veteran’s meal, that of a stranger and a random list of others. His small acts of kindness were his truest reflection.

He was always up for adventure, even in his 80s and early 90s, leaving his children and family with lasting memories that they will cherish forever.

He is survived by his children, Paulette Mason and her husband, Barry of Wakefield, Marie Agostino and her husband, Italo of Chelmsford, Jeanine Rousseau of Methuen, Constance Hayward and her husband, Gary of Maine, Paul Rousseau and his wife, Therese of Dracut and Gisele Lamontagne and her husband, George of Dracut; his 13 grandchildren; his 22 great-grandchildren; his six great-great-grandchildren; his son-in-law, Greg Dooley; dear friend, Maria Cole; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, Therese, he was predeceased by his daughter, Suzanne Dooley and his nine siblings, Joseph, Victor, Henry and Gerard Rousseau, Louise Dube, Claire Lacourse, Simone Bogochow, Aurore Potion and Sister Marie Louise of Jesus.

Relatives and friends are invited to Don’s Life Celebration on Monday, November 16, 2026 from 4 until 7 PM at the McKENNA-OUELLETTE FUNERAL HOME, 327 Hildreth Street, Lowell. His Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday at 10 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Dracut. Burial to follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, 96 Riverneck Road, Chelmsford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don’s memory to either: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Smile Train, PO Box 9623, Washington, DC 20090-6231.