Aldia Theresa (Cloutier) Tessier Keegan

Aldia Cloutier Tessier Keegan, beloved mother, memere (grandmother) and friend passed away on July 30, 2024, at Norwichtown Convalescent Home.  Aldia, “Dee,” was born in Glasgo, Connecticut,  to Emma  and Arthur Cloutier on December 26, 1927.  She is preceded in death by her second husband Edward Keegan and her first husband Roger Tessier.   She also was predeceased by her siblings Urban Barr, Elsid Barr, Leon Barr, Emma Kirkman, Jeanette Bogle, Norma Bonchuk, and Pearl Gagne Mitchell.

  Dee spoke with fondness of her rustic childhood with her loving parents and siblings.  Her devotion and love of family expanded exponentially as she had her own children and then expanded her family to welcome more children into her home.  Along the way she met the love of her life, Edward Keegan, and they spent over 40 years enjoying life as they traveled and entertained with family and friends.   As the family grew, she adored each and every one of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved to be with her family and her very many dear friends.

Dee was known for her incredible optimism, cheerfulness, energy, and ability to overcome any obstacle.  Forced to leave high school during the Great Depression, she later proudly earned her G.E.D. Upon becoming a single mother, she became a hair stylist and found creative ways to support her family.  She found her true calling when she began working at Norwich State Hospital and later the Johnson Residence in the kitchens where she was able to show her remarkable talents in cooking, presentation, and genuinely making every diner feel at home and extremely satisfied.  Most of all, Dee will be remembered for being extraordinarily loving and fiercely-devoted to her friends and family.  She showered so many people with unconditional love, attention, endless food, and most importantly her incredible spirit.

Dee is survived by her daughter Gail and her husband Charles LeMay, her son Roger and his wife Elizabeth, and her son Thomas and his wife Linda.  She is also survived by her stepson Peter Keegan and his wife Tina, and by her stepdaughter Eve St. John and her husband Donald St. John.  She was predeceased by her stepson John Keegan.  She and Edward are survived by their grandchildren Toni Tessier, Christopher Bryant, Daniel Bryant, Nicole Martin, Edward Keegan, Malory Keegan, Caitlyn Keegan, Shane Keegan, Jake Keegan, Zachary Keegan, Jordan Keegan, and their families.  They were predeceased by their granddaughter Gabriele Keegan.  Grand-memere was also survived by her great-grandchildren Lauren Bryant, Trevor Martin, Samuel Mayer, Grace Bryant, Tyler Martin, Nathan Bryant, and Haley Bryant. Aldia leaves behind many beloved and loving extended family members, more than could possibly be listed. Her nephew, Gary Gagne, and her niece Dawn Cormier were among a few of her family with whom she was extremely close.

Dee’s family would like to thank the dedicated and kind staff of Norwichtown Convalescent Home for their loving and professional care and also all of her wonderful family and friends who cherished her throughout her years.

All are invited to attend calling hours Monday, August 5, 2024 from 9:30AM to 10:30AM at the Gagne-Piechowski Funeral Home, Jewett City.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Church, Jewett City at 11:00AM.  Interment will immediately follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Lisbon.

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