Alice Girard

Alice Bonnneau Durand Girard

August 25, 1920 - October 31, 2025

Putnam - Alice Bonneau Durand Girard, 105, of Putnam, passed away peacefully at Matulaitis Nursing Home. Born on August 25, 1920, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, she was the daughter of Urgel and Fabiola Bonneau.

Alice's early life was marked by both challenge and resilience. After the passing of her mother in 1925, she spent time in an orphanage. Once her father remarried, she returned to his home. From the ages of 10 to 16, she helped raise her nine step-siblings, embodying a deep sense of responsibility and care from a young age. She attended St. Mary School and Tourtellotte Memorial High School until she left at age 16 to begin working alongside her father at the Cluett-Peabody Mill in North Grosvenordale. It was there that she met her first husband, Conrad Durand.

Alice married Conrad on August 9, 1945, at St. Mary Church following his return from serving in World War II. The couple made their home in Putnam and were blessed with three sons: Philip, Paul, and Leo. Alice and Conrad enjoyed six years of marriage before his passing in 1951. As a young widow, she devoted herself to raising her three sons on her own for 19 years with strength, perseverance, and love.

On May 1, 1971, Alice married Albert Girard. They were married for 21 years until Albert's passing in 1992. Alice continued to live independently until the remarkable age of 100, a testament to her spirit and determination.

Alice was a woman of many talents and joys. A gifted artist, she painted a beautiful rendition of Cargill Falls, among other works. She loved tending to her garden, baking, and never turned down a bowl of ice cream. She enjoyed the freedom of driving her car, always looked forward to her QVC deliveries, and found joy in life's simple pleasures.

She is survived by her sons Philip Durand and his wife Claire, Paul Durand and his wife Judy; her stepdaughter Lucille Cashin; five grandchildren; Stephen, Michael, Daniel, Carl Durand and Kelly Adams; and eleven great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense pride and happiness. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Conrad Durand; her second husband, Albert Girard; and her beloved son, Leo Durand.

Alice's life was one of resilience, faith, and devotion to family. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. In lieu of flowers, donations in Alice's memory may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105. There will be a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary Church in Putnam at 10:30 AM on Monday, November 17, 2025. A memorial guestbook is available at www.gilmanandvalade.com.