We are truly sorry, Roland, Tracy, John, JT, Tom, and all of Barbara's loving family.  The world has lost a wonderful woman who loved her family and embraced life.  She was a class act who was always put together and so pretty, with such a fun and feisty personality!  We loved when she and Roland came to visit in Virginia Beach.  Although we wish we would have met her earlier in life, we feel blessed to have had the years to have her in our lives that we did.  And we will grow and nurture geraniums from now on, knowing that she loved them.  To all of her loving family, please accept our deepest condolences.

~Mark and Teri Volkman

— with Cécile Reid and Barbara Lac Nominingue Quebec Canada 2011

Barbara and friends

Barbara, Cecile Reid and Nell

God bless you all during this time of loss. Barbara was truly a remarkable woman who lived a full, loving life and touched so many hearts. Her vibrant spirit sense of humor and the joyful memories we shared will always be remembered. Everyone who had the privilege of knowing her was truly blessed.

Our deepest sympathies to dearest Rusty, Tracy, John and all the wonderful grandchildren and great grandchildren, family and friends. Words cannot express our love for Barbara and how saddened we are. How lucky are we to have basked in her attention and love. My mother Cécile Reid was beyond fortunate to have Barb and Rusty as best friends who did so many activities together over the years. Chicos shopping was a favorite, a nice glass of red wine together, trying out the latest restaurants, Tuesday movie nights, Sunday mass, cruises, decorating at Christmas, trips to the lake-house in Canada,  being there through sickness,  but most of all - laughing together. Barbara, was intelligent, absolutely gorgeous, dressed to perfection from head-to-toe, and what a golfer! Her interests in every topic from basketball, politics, your life, made her so much fun to talk with! Her love for Rusty, Tracy, John, her grandchildren, and great grandchildren was immeasurable. She had such enthusiasm to share news about them all. Barbara always showed incredible interest in our family members, and if anyone visited from out of town she'd be there to spend fun times.   From my standpoint, she was like a best girlfriend that I could share anything with.  Barb, Rusty and Cécile picked us up at the airport at least 25 times, usually wearing some sort of mask to make us laugh! Barbara demonstrated strength, loyalty and had amazing advice. We loved and admired her. She will live in our hearts and memories forever.  Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Diane Labbé Deegan and Mike Deegan and the entire Labbé family

🎼 Stop in the Name of Love 🎼 — with Willa Ryerson, Sandy Ward, Paula Waterman and Barbara Dionne

The French and Quebecois refer to their grandmothers as “Grand Maman,” while French Canadian descendants in Maine use “Memere,” a less formal, more casual version. The French and Quebecois frown upon the term “Memere,” finding it demeaning and disrespectful. While stationed in France, Tracy learned to call her Grandmother Dionne “Memere,” and Barbara also used “Memere” when referring to her mother-in-law. Barbara was at times accused of being impolite to her mother-in-law, and degrading her stature as a grandmother. Quickly on the defensive, Barbara told the naysayers that “Memere” was the highest compliment she could pay to her mother-in-law, whom she adored. She and Tracy used “Memere” as a loving term of endearment, filled with caring and respect.

Dearest Roland, a.k.a. Uncle Rusty, You have lost your life partner, the person with whom you faced every challenge and celebrated every triumph for 74 years, 7 months and 22 days. Barbara created so many memories worth treasuring. May you always feel surrounded by her love as you continue to feel the incredible impact of her life. I treasure the love-filled roles you and Barbara have played in my life. Any time you need to talk, to cry, or to reminisce about special memories, know that I am just a phone call away.

Dearest Tracy, My heart aches for you as grieve the loss of that wonderful woman who carried your beginnings in her memory, knowing things about you before you even developed your own identity; that wonderful woman who was your mother, best friend and confidante; that wonderful woman whose presence in your life never wavered; that wonderful woman whose undeniable strength and compassion produced a daughter who emulates these enduring qualities.

John… It is also evident that you transcended from son-in-law to son, who benefitted from Barbara’s acceptance and love.

JT and Thomas… you learned early on that your Grandmother’s boundless attention; stoic determination; gracious and courageous strength; endurance; impeccable work ethics; nurturing and kindness have made you the conscientious adults you are today. And she opened her huge heart to include Stephanie, Katie, Jack, Anna, Liam and Averi.

I hope that you may always find comfort in your memories and in these many ways...a song that reminds you of a special moment, photographs of happy times, and the knowledge that, in God’s arms, Barbara shares these same memories. That is how the healing begins.

No one can experience the deep sadness you have experienced, for your feelings are unique to each of you. We know that grief is painful...albeit natural, normal, and necessary. Your loss is huge…but as long as you live, Barbara, too, shall live, for she remains, now and forever, a part of you...a part of each of us who knew, loved, and admired her. Be assured that she is whispering words of love and comfort to conquer your grief and your fears!

With my love and most heartfelt sympathy, Pauline 

Every trip to Maine included a visit with Rusty's cousin — with Marcelle Bisson Nadeau

To the entire Dionne Family know that we share in your heartbreak. We were friends and neighbors since 1980. Barbara led a wonderful life full of faith, family and love. Her joyous aura was contagious. We just loved being with them. There are too many stories to write but the memory will be alive forever in my heart. May she be at peace in the arms of our Heavenly Father as she hears the words we all long to hear, “Welcome Home, my good and faithful servant, welcome home.”

1984 summer at Aunt Sandy's house

Missing these two