Florence Marie Brisbois

1928 - 2024

Florence Marie Brisbois

Florence, MA - Florence Marie (Desmarais) Brisbois passed away March 13,2024 at Hospice of Fisher House in Amherst, MA. She was born in Holyoke, on June 25,1928, daughter of Aimee and Eva (Pouliet) Desmarais. Florence was the 2nd daughter of 5 children.

At a very early age her parents separated and she with her brother Rene were placed in Foster Care, which defined her entire life. After numerous foster homes she moved and lived with her father in Brooklyn, NY.

She had fond memories of living in NY, where she saw the sights. Radio City Music Hall, the Rockettes, and Stature of Liberty.

Florence was not fond of school so she went to work early in life. Among her favorite places to work were Schwartz Chocolate Factory in Brooklyn as well as working for AT&T as an operator.

She used her earnings on clothes and outings with friends.

In 1939 she was able to meet all of her siblings for the first time at the New York World's Fair.

In the 40's she moved back to MA. and lived in Chesterfield, with her mother.

Chesterfield was where she met her future husband, Henry Joseph Brisbois. The were married after his return from WWll, on June 20,1946. They were married for 41 yrs until his death in 1987.

They made their home in Chesterfield, where they built their own home and raised 3 daughters. During these years Florence harvested and canned most of our vegetables. She also helped prepare our chickens for the freezer.

They moved to Florence in 1968. During her marriage, Florence was a very hard worker, as a waitress, a machine operator at Northampton Cutlery Co., the Prophylactic Brush Co. in Florence. She also worked at UMASS in Dining Services and later retired from there as a head janitor.

Florence and her husband enjoyed many vacations going to the Islands. Curacao being one of their favorites and Hawaii. In their younger years they were active in square dancing. Florence's favorite activity was SHOPPING. Never one to miss a sale, thrift store, or yard sale.

Upon retiring she made many trips to Europe, Alaska, and Australia with friends. Florence was also a very talented sewer, quilter knitter as well as some fine woodworking projects.

Florence was predeceased by her husband Henry Joseph Brisbois, her daughter Tina Brisbois, her son Henry Jr., brothers, Charles Desmarais, Ronald Desmarais, and her sister Rita (Desmarais) Volllmar.

She leaves behind her brother, Rene (Beverly) Desmarais, daughters Renee (Richard) Ceno, Debbie Brisbois ,son-in-Law Ed Gross, her grandchildren, Kimberly (William) Belcher, Paula (Jeff) Weit, Megan (James) Canfield, Calvin (Kayla) Gross, great grandchildren, Haley (Dylan) Daughtry, Holly Belcher, Tyler Floyd, Trey Floyd, Vivianna Doyon, Jenelle Doyon, Madison Canfield, Bennett Gross and Stella Gross. As well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Florence was a fighter all of her life, from the moment she was born to her last breath. "Go in Peace" Mom, "You are free"

Her Funeral Mass will be on April 13, 2024 at Our Lady of the Hills Church in Haydenville, at 11AM Followed by her burial at Saint Mary's Assumption Cemetery. There will be a small reception to follow in the church hall. Williamsburg Funeral Home was entrusted with her service.