Renée Ann (Ricard) Jowett

Renée Ann (Ricard) Jowett, 67, of Griswold, CT, died on April 9, 2023 following sudden illness. Renée was born on July 27, 1955 in Norwich, CT. Renée graduated from Griswold High School in 1973, even though she declined to dissect a frog in biology class because doing so would have conflicted with her values. Renée devoted her life to animal rescue efforts. Her best friend recalls how Renée would only accept birthday gifts in the form of a donation to “save the gorillas.” Together with her animal-loving friends, Renée once chained herself to a doghouse on her front lawn to lobby in favor of more humane dog tethering laws. Her children grew up watching their mother nurse back to life cats, dogs, birds, a squirrel, a chipmunk, and even a skunk.

Renée was outgoing, loved to laugh, and prided herself on knowing how to do everything herself. For as long as they would let her, Renée hand made all her children’s clothing and Halloween costumes. She never passed up an opportunity to use power tools for a DIY project. On any given day, you could find Renée caring for her pets, cultivating her lush flower gardens and bountiful vegetable garden, or boasting about her children and grandchildren, to whom she gave her all.

In 2020, Renée retired from beverage serving at Foxwoods, where she had been lucky enough to develop many meaningful friendships that filled her life with great fun and laughter.

Renée was predeceased by parents Stella M. (Banasiewicz) and Roland Ricard, younger brother Peter Ricard, and many beloved pets. Renée is survived by her three children, Nathan Lazourack (46) of Voluntown, Jennifer Lazourack (43) of Long Beach, NY, and Chelsea Tucker (32) of Mystic; grandchildren Nathan Lazourack (16) and Kendall Helms (24); daughter-in-law Heidi Lazourack; brother Paul Ricard and sister-in-law Diane; nephew Richard Ricard; nieces Jeannette Giattino and Krystle Ricard-Breault; and sister-in-law Ann Ricard.

Calling hours will be held at Gagne-Piechowski Funeral Home in Griswold, CT on April 20, 2023 from 10 A.M. to 12 P.M. A private burial will be held at Hanover Green Burial Ground. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Compassion for Cats of New London County Inc., an organization about which Renée was passionate.

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