Liliette Poitras Chenette

Obituary
In Loving Memory
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Liliette Poitras Chenette. Liliette passed away peacefully at her cherished home of 70 years, surrounded by her devoted daughters and other dear family members, on April 6th, 2026. She was just shy of her 98th birthday, which would have been celebrated on May 5th of this year.

Early Life and Family Legacy
Liliette Poitras Chenette was born in Barre, Vermont, where she grew up on a farm as the second oldest among eight siblings. Her upbringing instilled in her a strong sense of family, faith, and community, values that she carried throughout her life. On April 29th, 1950, Liliette married William Chenette, the love of her life. The couple began their married life on the Chenette family farm, living with Bill’s relatives for the first two years of their marriage. In 1952, seeking new opportunities, they relocated to California and established their home in Sunnyvale, where they raised their family and built lasting roots.

Liliette was a devoted wife to Bill until his passing in December 1981. She was also a loving and dedicated mother to seven daughters, grandmother to 22 grandchildren, great-grandmother to 27, and great-great grandmother to 14, with two more on the way. At the time of her passing, Liliette was surrounded by an extraordinary legacy of 70 direct descendants. She took immense pride in each family member, making everyone feel loved and special. As her loved ones mourn her loss, they also celebrate the remarkable legacy Liliette leaves behind and the precious memories that will always remain in their hearts.

A Dedicated Career at Macy’s
Liliette enjoyed a long and fulfilling career as a sales associate at Macy’s in Sunnyvale, where she worked from 1979 until her retirement in 2009. Over the course of thirty years, she became a well-respected member of the Macy’s team, known for her exceptional customer service. Liliette consistently went the extra mile to ensure her customers’ needs were met, earning the admiration of both colleagues and clients alike. She retired at the age of eighty, leaving behind a work ethic of professionalism, dedication, and genuine care for those she served.

Faith and Resilience
Throughout her life, Liliette Poitras Chenette’s steadfast Catholic faith served as her guiding light. As a founding parishioner of St. Cyprian Catholic Church in Sunnyvale, her commitment extended over 70 years. She attended Mass regularly and was an active member of the Legions of Mary Women’s group, where she forged deep and lasting friendships. These gatherings, including luncheons shared with the ladies, provided her with a sense of community, support, and love.

Liliette’s faith offered her comfort and strength in the face of life’s most challenging moments. When her beloved husband, Bill, passed away and she was only 53 years old, her devotion sustained her through immense grief. Decades later, at the age of 95, she endured the loss of her daughter, Lilie, and once again leaned on Our Lord, Jesus Christ for solace. Her unwavering faith also supported her through the loss of her parents, siblings, and other dear family members. No matter the hardship, Liliette’s trust in Our Lord remained the foundation upon which she found hope, peace, and resilience.

Cherished Family Traditions and Passions
The love Liliette Poitras Chenette showed her family was truly immeasurable. Family always held the highest place in her heart, and she dedicated herself to creating a warm and welcoming home. As a perfect homemaker, she delighted her loved ones with delicious meals and desserts, making every holiday and birthday a memorable occasion. Her home was always beautifully decorated, radiating festivity and joy for each celebration. Liliette enjoyed experimenting with new recipes, and her collection of cookbooks reflected her enthusiasm for cooking. Each family member had their own favorite dishes that she lovingly prepared—from her famed rice pilaf to her irresistible lemon bars, and countless others in between. For her 85th birthday, her family honored her culinary legacy by compiling a cookbook filled with everyone’s favorite recipes.

Beyond the kitchen, Liliette’s creativity shone through her love of crocheting. She made blankets for all her family members, gifts that will be held dearly for generations. Her passion for gardening was evident as she spent time tending to her many plants and flowers, often sharing these moments with her family in the yard. Liliette also adored hummingbirds, and her garden was frequently visited by these delightful creatures drawn to her feeder.

Shopping was another activity Liliette enjoyed. She would visit multiple grocery stores to find the best deals and the exact items on her list. Always ready for an outing, she eagerly participated in dinners, shopping trips, coffee breaks, birthday parties, weddings, cruises, and every family event or gathering she could attend. Liliette looked forward to each family get-together, no matter what the occasion, holding closely the time spent with her loved ones. Among her fondest memories were the three cruises she took with her daughters, experiences she especially treasured.

Treasured Summers at the Lake
When asked about her happiest memories, Liliette fondly recalled the times spent on the lake with Bill and their family. Each summer, while Bill was alive, the family would gather at the lake, enjoying boating and camping at a family resort. True to her style, Liliette’s idea of camping meant staying in their spacious 42-foot trailer, equipped with all the comforts of home. These wonderful summers created lasting bonds and memories that will be valued by her family forever.

Devotion to Family
Liliette’s love for her family was reflected in the special relationships she maintained with each of her daughters: Lynn, Leanne, Jana, Jody, Lilie, Maureen, and Cece. She cherished spending time with them and appreciated the unique bond she shared with each one. Her family expanded to include her beloved sons-in-law—Mike, Bob, John, Michael, Shawn, Fraser, Phil, Rob, Roger, and Jim—whom she welcomed with open arms and genuine affection. These relationships brought her great joy and enriched her life immeasurably.

Liliette’s life was also marked by profound loss. She was predeceased by her devoted husband, Bill, whose memory she kept close to her heart. The family also mourned the passing of her son-in-law Mike, her granddaughter Sarah, her son-in-law Roger, her son-in-law Bob, and her beloved daughter Lilie. Despite these heartaches, Liliette’s enduring faith and devotion to her family remained a source of strength and comfort throughout her life.

Funeral Services and Remembrances
Services for Liliette will be held on May 2nd. The funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 AM at St. Cyprian Catholic Church, located at 195 Leota Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94086.
Following the Mass, there will be a graveside service at Gate to Heaven Catholic Cemetery, 22555 Cristo Rey Drive, Los Altos, CA 94024.
After the graveside service, a reception will be held at St. Cyprian Church Hall, providing family and friends an opportunity to gather and honor Liliette’s memory together.
There will also be a celebration of life on May 3rd at Washington Park, located at 840 W Washington Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086

Enduring Impact
Liliette’s unwavering devotion to her family and her joyful spirit have left an indelible mark on everyone who was fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy is carried forward through the countless lives she touched and the cherished memories she created. Even as she rests in faith with Our Lord, the love she shared continues to inspire and comfort those who remember her.