Rachel L. Rousseau

Rachel L. Rousseau, age 87, of Paxton, MA, previous long-time resident of Greenville, passed away on June 4, 2025, at Monadnock Community Hospital in Peterborough, following a period of declining health.

Rachel was born in Greenville, NH, on November 24, 1937, a daughter to the late Charles and Loretta (Chouinard) Desrosiers. In her early years, she attended the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Greenville.

Rachel married her beloved husband, the late Ernest Rousseau, on September 5, 1955 and as the couple began their family the following year, Rachel made the commitment to be a stay-at-home mom, devoting the next 35 or so years to the upbringing of her five children. When the children were very young, she took them on daily walks, being greeted by several locals along the way. When the children reached school-age, she remained at home, never wanting them to come home to an empty house. She was the one to wake them up to go to church or school, the one to care for them in sickness, and the one who went out of her way to make every one of her children’s birthdays very special. She supported them in all of their endeavors, always in the stands cheering them on in their sporting or musical events. The children have wonderful memories of their yearly vacations in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, and they especially, very much appreciated their parents’ commitment to their family and to each other, through good times and bad, being a good example for them to follow.

When the children grew older, she was able to support her husband Ernie, by working at the many stores he owned or managed, such as, Rousseau’s Market and Kozy Korner in Greenville, Rousseau’s IGA in Winchendon, and Norm’s Thriftway in Jaffrey. Later, some may remember seeing Rachel at The Clothes Closet in Peterborough, one of her favorite jobs. Rachel and Ernie would often relax after the work week with an evening at their favorite restaurant, the Rendezvous, in Fitchburg, MA.

As the children married, grandchildren came along, and Rachel became “Grandma,” a role she loved, especially on Christmas, and at Old Orchard Beach!

In retirement, she and Ernie enjoyed many winters in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and even moved to Old Orchard Beach, Maine, for a year. Rachel blessed her family throughout her life with her excellent cooking. Her family will never forget her salmon pie, spaghetti, fried haddock, pistachio torte, and all of those delicious birthday cakes! Her own food favorites included lobster, fried clams, and poutine. In her later years, Rachel enjoyed spending time with family, watching Red Sox games and Hallmark movies, reading, and pencil coloring.

In addition to both parents, Rachel was predeceased by her beloved husband of 66 years, Ernest “Ernie” H. Rousseau, and her son Kevin Rousseau,

Rachel is forever remembered by her one daughter, Carol (Rousseau) LaFalam of Paxton, MA, four sons, Michael Rousseau and his wife Diane (Sorby) Rousseau of Jaffrey, Gary and Heidi (Rivard) Rousseau of Jaffrey, Ernest K. Rousseau of Paxton, MA; six grandchildren, Alyssa and Abbie LaFalam of Paxton, MA, Henry Rousseau of Jaffrey, NH, Joel and Jessica (Mattscheck) Rousseau of Franklin, TN, Patricia (Rousseau) Peterson and her husband Billy Peterson of Hampden, MA, Nathan Rousseau and his wife Abigail (Engler) Rousseau of Grand Junction, CO, three great-grandchildren, Isaiah Peterson, Norah Peterson, and Sebastian LaFalam, and many extended family members.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life for Rachel, at 10:00 AM on Friday, September 5, 2025, in honor of Rachel and Ernie’s wedding anniversary date, at Cournoyer Funeral Home, 33 River St., Jaffrey, NH 03452. Reception will immediately follow at Jaffrey Bible Church, 133 Turnpike Rd., Jaffrey.

Burial will be private.

Please consider a memorial contribution in Rachel’s name to the Rindge Food Pantry, 1102 NH-119, Rindge, NH 03461.