Grace M. (Descheneaux) Hamel

LOWELL - Grace M. (Descheneaux) Hamel, RN, 90, a longtime resident of Lowell died Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at D'Youville Senior Care in Lowell. She was the beloved wife of the late Paul A. Hamel, to whom she was married 53 years until his death in 2002.

She was born in Lowell on May 12, 1927, and was the last surviving of 12 children to Omer and Laura (Roy) Descheneaux. She received her education in Lowell schools and was a graduate of St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing.

Prior to her retirement, Grace was employed for many years as a registered nurse by St. Joseph Hospital in Lowell and then by D'Youville Manor in Lowell.

Her greatest joy was spending time in the company of her loving family and friends, whether it be lively sessions of playing cards and board games or enjoying time together at Lake Winnipesaukee.

Grace was a longtime, active parishioner of Ste. Therese Church in Dracut.

She is survived by her four children, Paula Crepeau and her longtime companion Barry Cormier of Hudson, NH, David Hamel and his wife Sharon of Dracut, Kenneth Hamel and his wife Helen of Dracut, and Mark Hamel and his wife Paula of Chelmsford; her four grandchildren, Karen Townsend and her husband Roth of Derry, NH, Melissa DeVlaminck of Londonderry, NH, Mollie Hamel of Boston, and Lauren Hamel of Cambridge; four great grandchildren, Parker and Olivia Townsend, and Isabel and Jack DeVlaminck; her sisters-in-law, Cecile Gagnon of Dracut and Beverly Hamel of Pelham, NH; her brother-in-law, Maurice "Bill" Hamel and his wife Pauline of Dracut; her lifelong dear friend, Pauline Jean of Lowell; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was predeceased by eight brothers and three sisters.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Grace's Life Celebration at the MCKENNA-OUELLETTE FUNERAL HOME, 327 Hildreth Street, Lowell on Monday from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Ste. Marguerite D'Youville Parish on Tuesday at 10:00 AM. Burial in Gibson Cemetery in Pelham, NH. For condolences and directions, please visit www.mckennaouellette.com.