Norman J. Boivin

SOUTH HADLEY - Norman J. Boivin of South Hadley, entered into eternal rest with his loving family by his side on Friday, May 23, 2014. He was born in Chicopee on August 4, 1929 to the late Rose Marie (Champagne) and Omer Boivin. He will be sadly missed by his wife of 56 years, Annette M. (Masse) Boivin.Norman was a veteran of the United States Army. He was co-owner of The Village Grain Store in the Willimansett section of Chicopee with his father Omer and his brother Gerry. Norman was a Scottish Rite Mason and a member of the Mount Holyoke Lodge. He belonged to the Melha Shriners Vintage Auto Unit where he was past treasurer. In retirement he loved to travel abroad and in the states with his wife Annette. He also enjoyed his occasional excursions to Mohegan Sun with his wife and loving daughter Karen. Being an animal lover, he especially enjoyed going to his son David’s farm in Blandford, MA to visit all the animals. Norman had a passion for gardening and landscaping. He was extremely proud of his yearly vegetable and flower gardens along with his pristine landscaped yard. He was a people person and most of all enjoyed being with the people he loved, family and friends. His zest for life was enhanced with a good shot and a beer when anyone came calling. His sense of humor always made you smile. Norman was pre-deceased by his parents and a brother, Roger, who lost his life in The Battle of Normandy, France. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife and soul mate, Annette. He will also be deeply missed by his caring son, David Boivin and his wife Renee (Heroux) Boivin of Blandford, MA, his loving daughter Karen (Boivin) Lappalainen and her life partner Gary Wiese of Lakeland, Florida, and his granddaughter Kristen Lappalainen of Tampa, Florida. He will also be missed by his brothers Ronald Boivin and his wife Dorothy (Masse) Boivin of New Port Richey, Florida and Gerald Boivin and his wife Denise (Dubois) Boivin of New Port Richey, Florida and Quebec, Canada. He leaves one sister, Doris (Boivin) Perreault also of New Port Richey, Florida. Norman also leaves a very special nephew, Steven Boivin of Chicopee, MA, along with two close friends, Richard Rondeau of Chicopee, MA and Ronald Poirier of Holyoke, MA. He also leaves behind to mourn his loss many nieces, nephews and friends. He will especially be missed by his Golden Retriever, “Molly” whom he loved dearly. Per Norman’s wishes there will be no calling hours or traditional services. The family has entrusted Norman with New England Funeral & Cremation Center LLC 25 Mill Street, Springfield, MA with burial at Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery with full military honors at a later date to be decided by the family. Donations may be made in Norman’s memory to Shriners Hospital for Children Attn: Donations, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104. Please visit www.nefcc.net

Norman J. Boivin

August 4, 1929 - May 23, 2014