Eric R. Normandin

DRACUT - Eric R. Normandin, age 34, a resident of Dracut died Friday, November 30, 2018 following a relapse from a long struggle with addiction.

He was born in Lowell on August 22, 1984, and was the son of Michelle Normandin of Dracut and Jerold "Jerry" Winters of Manchester, NH. He received his early education in Lowell schools and attended Nashua High School and the University of Massachusetts at Boston.

Eric was employed as a Resident Addiction Support Staff by Eastern Massachusetts Addiction Services (EMAS.) Here he administered urine test as well as breathalyzers for his clients. He was responsible for making sure his clients did their chores in the home and were in by curfew. Most importantly he kept an open line of communication with clients so those who were going through this tough time knew they could come to him. He encouraged clients to attend meetings and get involved in their recovery which included getting sponsors. Out of all of his job duties, and he felt was very important, was making addicts laugh when all they wanted to do is break down and cry. Eric was determined to help others and was especially proud of his internship at EMAS. Eric was admitted to the EMAS Program December 10th, 2015 and graduated June 13th, 2016. Afterwards, Eric continued to live and work in their graduate program until the summer of 2018.

Eric's passion, and we do not say that lightly, was music, especially Hip Hop. Music is a piece of art that goes in the ears and straight to our hearts. He was rapping about the struggles of living homeless due to fighting his addiction and trying to get you to listen to the message of today's struggles that we ignore. Eric always had the aim of three pages to hit with his delivery and unique sound and style. Eric's passion is just like the quote from Plato "music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything." He was a member of the Grind Mode Cypher who supported him with his music.

He will be remembered for his ability to make people laugh and his love for his family, especially the love of his life, Daelyn.

In addition to his parents, Eric is survived by his loving daughter, Daelyn Normandin of Nashua, NH; his aunts and uncles, Ron Normandin and his wife Rachel of Hudson, NH, Diane Sawlan and her husband Raymond of Dracut, Mark Normandin and his wife Deb of Lowell, Richard Mansfield and his wife Barbara of Hudson, NH, Janet Murphy and her husband Mike of Dracut, Sandra Winters of Nashua, NH, Jim Winters and his wife Judy of Lowell, John Winters of Lowell, Mark Trudel of Lowell, and Patricia Mansfield of Dracut; and many cousins. He is also survived by his close friend whom he called his "brother" Jason Chamberland of Hudson, NH; Ashley and Keith Wynott of Milford, NH and Shawn Collins of Hudson, NH.

Eric is predeceased by his grandparents, Maurice "Moe" and Ghislaine "Jessie" Normandin and James and Alice Winters. Also, he was the nephew of the late Billy "Bam" Mansfield and Linda (Mansfield) Trudel.

ARRANGEMENTS - Relatives and friends are invited to attend Eric's Life Celebration at the MCKENNA-OUELLETTE FUNERAL HOME, 327 Hildreth Street, Lowell on Sunday, December 9th from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday at 10:00 AM at St. Francis Church in Dracut. Burial at St. Joseph Cemetery in Chelmsford.