Aline (Forbes)(Chevalier) Ledoux

 ORANGE- On January 3, 2024 heaven welcomed another angel with the passing of Aline (Forbes) Chevalier Ledoux, 96.  She was a long-time resident of Orange, MA until age 94 when she moved to Stonebrook Assisted Living at The Overlook in Charlton, MA.   After a brief period of declining health she spent her final days under the excellent care of the Rose Moynahan Hospice Home in Worcester, MA. 

     Aline was a gentle soul and loved by all who knew her.  She was full of kindness, gratitude and humility and always put the needs of others first.  She was strong when faced with adversity and led by example, never with criticism or judgment.  Aline loved people and saw the good in everyone.  Her radiant and welcoming smile was infectious and present throughout her entire life. 

       Born in the small fishing village of Neguac, New Brunswick, Canada, she was the daughter of Arthur and Suzanne Forbes and one of nine children: Irene, Roger, Eusebe, Lawrence, O’Neil, May Marie, Elmire and Bernice, with only Bernice surviving her.  She came to the United States in 1947 marrying Raoul H. Chevalier and then resided in Orange, MA for most of her adult life.   She proudly became a US citizen several years later after teaching herself English.  She leaves her three children, Andrea Holbrook (and husband Howard) of Oxford, MA, Mary Chevalier (and life partner John Kelly) of Westerly, RI and Paul Chevalier (and wife Ariane) of Miami, FL and Billière, France.  She is also survived by her three grandchildren Jeffrey Safer of Boylston, MA, Arthur Chevalier of Pau, France and Théodore Chevalier of Reims, France.  Also surviving is a former daughter-in-law Valérie (and husband Paul) Ernewein of Arcis-le-Ponsart, France, as well as many nieces and nephews both in the US and Canada.

     Her husband Raoul died in 1983, and in 1989 she married Edward J. Ledoux, another life-long resident of Orange, MA.  Of his five sons Edward, Jr., John, Raymond, Joseph, and Timothy, only Raymond and Joseph survived her.  After Edward passed in 2004, she enjoyed the companionship of her dear friend Joseph E. Bonenfant and his large family for seven years until Joseph passed of Parkinson’s.

     She was a devoted mother and homemaker, providing care for her family and household as well as volunteering as a Girl Scout leader.  As a talented seamstress and knitter, she could expertly create or alter clothing.  When her youngest child began school, she became a teacher’s aide at the Dexter Park School and enjoyed working with children until her retirement. She was a devout Catholic and active member of St. Mary’s Church and St. Mary’s Women’s Club in Orange.  She taught First Communion class for twenty-five years, sewing and embroidering Baptismal vestments and serving as a long-time Eucharistic Minister. 

     Aline was energetic and sportif.  She enjoyed the outdoors and joined her children in a variety of activities such as badminton, swimming, ice skating, sledding or tobogganing, and skiing.  She could often be seen riding her bike to school.  Aline was also an excellent dancer and could glide across the dance floor doing the fox trot, waltz, or a cha cha.

     Her life was devoted to her family and her many friends.  Healthy and living in her own home until age 94, she stayed very active.  She loved visiting with friends, working on the church’s annual fair or home projects, and being outdoors tending her gardens of vegetables, flowers, fruit bearing trees and bushes.  During the summer months she would preserve a full harvest of her home-grown vegetables and fruits and make delicious fruit jams and jellies.  She never missed church on a Sunday or Holy Day.  Fellow church goers took notice of her poise and grace and that she always dressed in stylish outfits adorned with coordinated hats, scarves, and jewelry. 

     Over the years her life was further enriched by numerous trips back to her hometown of Neguac in Canada, France, and Florida to visit family and friends.  And in her 80’s she learned how to use a computer and digital camera and printed pictures of her travels and beautiful gardens.  She made her last batch of fruit jellies and preserves at age 94 with the aid of her caring friend and helper Deb from St. Vincent de Paul. 

     Aline’s family would like to express sincere thanks to the many nurses, caregivers, and residents at Stonebrook Assisted Living at The Overlook and most recently the Rose Monahan Hospice Home for their many kindnesses, excellent care, tireless devotion, and friendship to her in her last years.

     Arrangements are being handled by Witty Funeral Home, 158 S. Main Street, Orange, MA.  At her request and that of the family there are no calling hours.  Her funeral mass will be celebrated privately on a date to be announced at St. Mary’s Church, 19 Congress Street, Orange, MA.  Interment will be at Gethsamane Cemetery, Athol, MA.  To share a memory or offer a condolence visit: www.witty funeralhome.com.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Rose Monahan Hospice Home, 10 Judith Road, Worcester, MA 01602. 

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

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