Orilla J. Cheverier Brunelle

On Sunday, October 1, 2023 Orilla Jean (Cheverier) Brunelle, after a period of declining health, passed away peacefully at Baystate Springfield Hospital with her loving husband Dennis Brunelle and daughter Tina Newton by her side. Orilla was born on January 24, 1950 in Keene NH to Joseph N and Mary E (Parker) Cheverier.

Orilla could always brighten up a room with her smile, laughter and unending love and kindness. Spending time with her family was her greatest joy. At holiday gatherings (when her children were young) she loved to entertain them and their cousins with her little skits. Camping with family and friends was always a favorite pastime. Over the years Orilla enjoyed dancing, puzzles, reading, bowling, poetry, hiking, kayaking, thrift shopping, and girl getaways. She was a member of the former "Country Kickers" line dancing group (Greenfield MA) that performed at numerous fairs, recorded a television commercial for a local radio station, and performed on a Club Dance television episode in Tennessee. She attended Thayer High School in Winchester, NH. She was a longtime member of the Montague Elks Lodge 2521 and was recognized as an Elk of the month. She retired from Yankee Candle Corporate Office. Prior to that she was a certified dental surgical assistant for CT Valley Oral Surgeons.

Survivors include her husband Dennis C. Brunelle of Erving MA, daughter Tina M. Newton (Rob) of Northfield MA, sisters Winona Cheverier of Turners Falls MA and Opal Paige (Don) of Keene NH, brother Otis Cheverier (Pat) of Port Orange FL, granddaughter Callie Zdanowicz (Gary) and their girls Rayleen and Brianna, grandson Carlton Choiniere (Kayla) and their daughter Ayven, stepsons Dennis Brunelle (Angela) and their children Jamie and Derek, Christopher Brunelle (Natalie) and their children Greyson, Hazel, and Ruby, stepdaughter Tami Brunelle, stepsiblings Betty Hackett, Daniel Canon, James Canon, mother-in-law Bertha Brunelle, sisters-in-law Pam Bessette, Darlene Dacunha, brothers-in-law Rodney Brunelle (Cina), Joe Brunelle (Chris), beloved nieces and nephews and their families, cousins, and many dear friends.

She was predeceased by her daughter Tammy L. Canon in 2003, her mother Mary E. Canon in 2005, and her first husband Dwight C. Canon in 2000.

There are no calling hours. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 21 from 11:30-2:30 at the Montague Elks in Turners Falls MA.

We lost a beautiful soul, a ray of sunshine. Our world will not be the same without her. Heaven has gained a very special angel!

Arrangements are under the direction of the Kostanski Funeral Home. For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.