Miriam O'Toole Dessureau

Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Sister, and Aunt, Miriam O'Toole Dessureau passed away peacefully after a long illness on August 17, 2024, at age 89. Born in South Boston, MA., on January 17, 1935, she was the eldest of eight children of Ernest and Anna (Swain) O'Toole, who were originally from Newfoundland, Canada. She grew up in Dorchester, MA, graduating from St. Gregory's High School and receiving a scholarship to the Boston College School of Nursing graduating with high honors in 1956. She worked for the Boston Visiting Nurses Association until she married Eugene "Gene" Dessureau on September 6, 1958 (married for almost 66 years), after which she worked for the Hartford, VNA. Following the birth and education of her children she worked for the West Hartford school system as a school nurse.

Miriam had a vibrant vivacious personality with a wonderful beautiful smile. Stylish, quick-witted, with boundless energy and a gregarious presence, she was the cherished matriarch of the O'Toole-Dessureau family. She adored her children and their offspring: Ellen Donohue (Springfield, MA), Anne (Kent) Dessureau McNorton (Dallas, TX), Paul Dessureau (Sparks, NV.). Mary Guthrie (Arnissville, VA) and was pre-deceased by baby Carol at one month old.

She deeply loved her sisters and brothers, Claire Cashman (Wethersfield, CT), Jeanne (David) Glynn (East Falmouth, MA), Ernie (Joan) (Pagosa, Sprimgs, CO), Joe (Susan) (North Eastham, MA) plus her many nieces and nephews. Predeceased were her brother Norman, and sisters Margaret-Peggy Guiney and Carol Stark.

Continuing her legacy are her grandchildren: Robert (Maria) Donohue, Lauren Donohue, Brendan Donohue, Meghan Donohue, Kasey(Nicholas) Carnrite, Erin (Stephen) Ellis, Jamie McNorton, Aubrey (John Paul) Baugher and Jeffrey Guthrie and was predeceased by Jacob Guthrie. Miriam was always very pleased and proud of their accomplishments. She loved them all greatly and with much joy. The family expanded with the arrival of great-grandchildren Miss Bo Donohue, John Casey Baugher, and Oliver Carnrite.

Besides her family, her other great passion was supporting and being part of The League of Women Voters and in particular the Making Democracy Work Committee. Participating in voter registration drives throughout Montgomery County gave her everlasting pleasure. She was active with others at Fox Hill Senior Living in helping new residents with their changes in voter registration. She so enjoyed all the wonderful people she met through these endeavors. Early on in West Hartford, she enjoyed bowling, being a girl scout leader, and square dancing with Gene with the Shooting Stars club.

We are eternally grateful for the outstanding care Miriam received from Montgomery County Hospice Palliative Care and in particular we are very grateful to Ms. Anne Morris for her kindness, patience and over the top nursing care for Miriam when it was most needed. We also want to thank her aides Fatima and Miriam for their tender devoted care. In lieu of flowers, donations in Miriam's honor may be made to Montgomery County Hospice and The League of Women Voters.

Two separate services will be held. The first will be an October 17, 2024, 12 noon Funeral Mass at the Church of the Little Flower, 5607 Mass Av., Bethesda, MD. with a reception to follow for friends and family at Fox Hill Senior Living, 8300 Burdette Rd. Bethesda, MD.

The second Funeral services will take place on October 19, 2024 with visitation 11:30 a.m. to 12 noon at Rose Hill Chapel, 580 Elm St., Rocky Hill Connecticut. with burial to follow at Rose Hill Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life will follow for family and friends at the Sheraton South Hotel, Capital Blvd, Rocky Hill, CT.