Marquise Dufour Renquin Obituary (1927 - 2024)

Marquise (Piquette) Dufour Renquin, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully in her sleep at Lowell General Hospital in the early morning of December 29, 2024. She was 97 years old. Born on May 16, 1927, in Saskatchewan, Canada, Marquise grew up with resilience and determination. In the 1930s, she moved to Montreal and attended a convent school with her sister Lise, where she discovered a lifelong passion for sewing. While in Montreal, she met Joseph Andr Dufour, a Lowell native, while he was visiting family friends one summer. Their connection was instant, and soon after, Marquise immigrated to the United States, marrying Joseph Andr (Andy) in 1947. The couple built a life together in the Lowell area, settling in Dracut in 1952. Their small house on Leonard Avenue became a home filled with love and laughter, where they raised their five children. Yet, the self-sufficiency and determination that defined Marquises early years were tested again when she was widowed at 36. An indomitable, hardworking spirit carried her through as she worked as a dental assistant and later a seamstress for Jordan Marsh to support her family. Marquise also contributed actively to Dracut Boy Scout Troop 80, demonstrating her commitment to the community. Years later, Marquise found love again with Norman Renquin, whom she married in 1979. Together, in retirement, they enjoyed traveling to Florida, spending time with loved ones, and relaxing on their porch in Dracut. Marquise, ever unstoppable, drove them to Saint Augustine each year well into her late seventies. Marquises legacy is one of a hardworking, caring, and creative woman with seemingly boundless energy, an infectious smile, a sharp sense of humor and impeccable style, and an unmatched ability to find joy in doing whatever needed to be done for her loved ones. An avid gardener, Marquises home was a testament to her green thumb, with pristine lawns, trimmed hedges, and colorful begonias, roses, and numerous other flowers that delighted every summer. She enjoyed creative arts such as knitting, crocheting, and painting. Even as dementia affected her later years, Marquises passion for sewing endured, and she continued providing alterations for friends into her 90s. Marquise is survived by her five children: Diane Beaudoin; Robert Dufour and his wife, Jeannine; Andy Dufour and his wife, Sandra; Lise Roussell and her husband, Michael; and Dewey Dufour and his wife, Donna. She leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Guy Beaudoin, Nicole Beaudoin, Kimberly Rorex, Bobby Dufour, Karen Dufour, Michelle Tiani, Judy Dufour, Jodi Lynn Hall, Jodie Roussell, Michael Roussell, Holly Roussell, and Danny Dufour; as well as 17 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense pride and joy. She is predeceased by her husbands, Joseph Andr Dufour and Norman Renquin, and her grandson, Joseph Dufour. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses at Lowell General Hospital for their care and compassion in her final days and to the staff of The Arbors, Dracut, who provided comfort and support in her fight with dementia. As we bid farewell to Marquise, we warmly welcome her friends and family to the following moments of tribute: Calling hours will be held at Dracut Funeral Home on Friday, January 3, 2025, from 6:008:00 p.m. A mass will be held Saturday, January 4, at 10:00 am at St. Marguerite D'Youville Parish, 1340 Lakeview Drive, Dracut. Interment will follow the mass at St. Joseph Cemetery, Chelmsford, MA. Any sympathy cards or words you wish to share with Marquises family can be sent to Dracut Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations in Marquises name can be made to the Dementia Society of America. We hope Marquises spiritone of strength, gaiety, and gracewill live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Service Details Visitation When January 3, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm Location Dracut Funeral Home Address 2159 Lakeview Ave. Dracut, Massachusetts 01826 Funeral Mass When January 4, 2025 10:00am Location St. Marguerite D'Youville Address 1340 Lakeview Avenue Dracut, MA 01826