Melodie M (Bissonnette) Albino

Wilbraham- Melodie M (Bissonnette) Albino, 101 passed away on October 7, 2018 at the Lifecare Center of Wilbraham surrounded by her loving family members and the wonderful caregivers who have loved and supported her for the past three years.  Melodie was born on March 31, 1917 in Indian Orchard, MA the daughter of Hector George Bissonnette and Anna M (Duhaime) Bissonnnette.  She resided in Hampden County most of her life living in Indian Orchard, Ludlow, Chicopee, Palmer, Monson and Wilbraham in her final days.  The exception was her schooling at a convent girl’s academy in St Hugues, Province of Quebec, Canada.  Upon return to Springfield she married Dominick Albino.  While her daughters were young she combined raising her family and operating a small store called “Melodie’s Kiddie Shop” in Indian Orchard.  Later she worked at JCPenny in downtown Springfield before going to Titeflex and finally to Storms Drop Forge in charge of payroll until retiring in 1982.  Melodie loved family and enjoyed attending and participating in family gatherings of any nature.  She also enjoyed traveling with friends and family including going to Italy with her daughters when in her early 80’s.  Knitting was one of her passions with Afghans and baby outfits her favorite projects.

Melodie had most recently been a communicant of St. Patricks Church in Monson.  Sadly her siblings, Rita Theriault (1921 – 2010), a brother Amand and two sisters Ida and Lila died when very young.  She leaves her two daughters, Lila Albino of Atlanta, GA, Claire Mawaka and her partner Geoffrey Howard of Monson, MA, five grandchildren; Laura Mawaka of Monson, Wendy Babula and her husband Mark of Wilbraham, Kimberly Mawaka-St Marie and her husband Michael of Wilbraham, Scott Ellsworth and his wife Ela of Georgia and Tracie Cannon and her husband Dan of Alabama; ten great-grandchildren; Paul Mawaka, Jennifer and Matthew LaRiviere, Arman and Jordan Setian, Madison and Elise Babula and Maya, Yarden and Aiden Ellsworth.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, October 11 from 6:00 – 8:00PM in Lombard Funeral Home 3 Bridge St. Monson, MA.  Funeral services will be Friday, October 12 beginning at 9am at the funeral home with Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:00AM  at St Patrick’s Church, 22 Green Street, Monson, MA.  Burial will be at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Springfield Rescue Mission, 10 Mill Street, PO Box 9045, Springfield, MA. 01102-9045 or to https://springfieldrescuemission.org/donate.  .