Norma (Rising) Robichaud

March 30, 2018

Norma R. Robichaud

ATHOL- Norma (Rising) Robichaud, 93, died Thursday, March 29th at Quabbin Valley Healthcare in Athol.

Norma was born in Athol, daughter of Earl and Mabel (Cartwright) Rising. While growing up, she attended Orange Schools, graduating from Orange High School in 1942.

Norma held several positions at Athol Memorial Hospital including receptionist and out patient department supervisor. She attended college at Fitchburg State, graduating with a BS and Masters in Special Education in 1976. Norma worked as a generic consulting specialist and a resource room teacher in the Gardner School System for 12 years until her retirement.

Norma was an active member of many clubs including the Greenfield and Athol Quota clubs, Alpha Mu Epsilon Society, the Athol Women’s Club, AARP, the Council on Aging, and the Athol Historical Society. She was also very active in St. John’s Episcopal Church, serving as Sunday School teacher and chairperson of the St. John’s Women’s Guild.

Norma lived a busy life, having several hobbies. She enjoyed sewing, embroidering, and oil painting. She took exercise classes at the YMCA for several years. Norma loved vacationing in Maine and trips to Vermont with her late husband Paul. She enjoyed being with friends and family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She leaves behind three sons, Brian P. Robichaud and his wife, Jean, Barry A. Robichaud and his wife, Carol, Brent M. Robichaud and his wife, Susan, all of Athol; a brother Robert A. Rising of Southwick; a sister, Joyce B. Taylor of Westerly, RI; three grandchildren, Matthew Robichaud, Sarah Saltsgaver and Scott Robichaud; a great granddaughter, Aviana; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her brother, John F. Rising.

There are no calling hours.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, with Fr. William Hobbs of St. John’s Episcopal Church of Athol officiating.

Interment will follow in Silver Lake Cemetery, Athol.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to St. John’s Episcopal Church, 15 Park Avenue, Athol, MA 01331.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is directing the arrangements.

You may offer your sympathy online at www.wittyfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Norma (Rising) Robichaud, please visit our floral store.