Bibiane M. Poirier, 79

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Bibiane Marie (Cloutier) Poirier, 79, of Pittsfield, Mass., and formerly of Manchester, Conn., passed away on October 13, 2017, surrounded by her adoring family. 

Bibiane was born in St. Victor, Quebec, Canada, the daughter of Charles and Marie Anna (Poulin) Cloutier on February 25, 1938. She was the wife of Henry A. Poirier, who passed away on June 23, 2017. 

Bibiane is survived by her daughters, Michelle Poirier and her children, Adam and Adrian Bazenas of Amesbury, Mass., Martha Tagliaferro and her husband, Dean, and their children, Thomas, Daniel, John, and Libby of Pittsfield, Mass.; five brothers, Jean-Marie, Damien, Patrice, Raymond and Michel Cloutier; four sisters, Janine Cloutier, Marcelle Cloutier-Couture, Julie Roy, and Monique Cloutier; her sisters-in-law Claire Rowley and Alice Shea; brother-in-law, Tom Harvey; and many nieces and nephews. 

She was predeceased by her sister, Yvette Cloutier; her brother, Roland Cloutier; her sister-in-law, Virginia Harvey; her niece, Celine Cloutier; and her nephew, Craig Harvey. 

Bibiane was raised on a small family farm in Canada. Surrounded by her large, loving family, she learned many valuable skills and lessons that she used throughout her life. Bibiane left St. Victor at the age of 19 and went to work at Aetna Life and Casualty in Hartford, where she met Henry. They married in 1960 and raised their daughters in Manchester, Conn.. Together they took Michelle and Martha on many trips to Cape Cod and Maine, and to visit with family in Canada, and Adams, Mass.

After Henry retired, Bibiane and Henry enjoyed many vacations in the United States and abroad. Although these excursions were exciting, Bibiane loved her time with her family most of all. She was a dedicated grandmother, teaching Michelle and Martha about loving and caring for their newborns, playing hours and hours of cards and board games, and attending any event that allowed her to be with and celebrate her grandchildren. Bibiane was happiest when she was entertaining her family, especially at the holidays. Michelle, Martha, Dean and the grandchildren will always treasure the memories of her delicious meals, her laughter, and especially the love she had for all of them. 

Bibiane’s family is grateful to the many caregivers she has had over the last months, especially Sona and Joan. In addition, Michelle and Martha are honored to have met wonderful friends who offered love and support to them at Berkshire Place, especially Debbie and Bernice.

Funeral notice: Calling hours are 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 22, 2017, at Flynn and Dagnoli-Bencivenga Funeral Home, 5 Elm Street, Pittsfield, Mass., 01201. A memorial mass will be celebrated at Flynn and Dagnoli on Monday, October 23, 2017, at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association care of Flynn and Dagnoli-Bencivenga Funeral Home. The family will attribute the donations to the Alzheimer’s Association team “Queen Deb’s Bees.”