Rose E. (Fortunato) Bonenfant

Rose E. Bonenfant, age 89, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 26, 2026.  She was born in Fitchburg Massachusetts, a daughter of John and Gentalena Fortunato.

She was predeceased in 2021 by her beloved husband Roland, with whom she shared 63 wonderful years of marriage. Their love and affection for one another was unmistakable — a quiet, steady devotion that never wavered. To all who knew them, their marriage was a true love story, built on faith, loyalty, laughter, and a lifetime of shared moments, an example to all.

She took great joy in the many roles she held throughout her life, from her early days at Foster Grant to her years with the Nashua school system and later at BAE (formerly Sanders Associates/Lockheed). Along the way, she gathered not just experience but long friendships. She was a wonderful cook (thanks to her proud Italian heritage), and baking was her true love language — her way of caring, comforting, and showing affection. She delighted in making her pies for her sons, each one crafted with the kind of warmth only she could give. We’re certain her doctors looked forward to her visits, as much for her company as for the brownies and treats she so generously brought. 

She cherished every moment spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Nothing delighted her more than seeing Jackson and Arianna arrive with a huge bouquet of flowers, with their huge smiles. And Emma Rose — with her big hugs and even bigger smiles and her love of Grammy Rose — would light up her entire day. Their visits brought her pure, uncomplicated joy, the kind that stays in the heart long after the moment has passed.

She was blessed with a small, close-knit circle of neighborhood friends who truly became an extension of her family. They looked out for one another, shared daily phone calls, and offered constant support through life’s ups and downs. Whether they were chatting over tea, heading out to lunch, or taking little field trips together, their companionship brought her joy, comfort, and laughter.

Members of her family include her son: Gary Bonenfant and his wife Susan; Richard Bonenfant and his wife Kimberly; two grandchildren: Christopher Bonenfant and his wife Isabel and their daughter Emma Rose; Samantha Rose Wingate and her husband Steven and their children Arianna and Jackson.  In addition, she leaves one sister: Helen West and her husband William, two brothers: Joseph Fortunato and his wife Carol; John Fortunato and his wife Mary, and two sisters-in-laws: Rachel Jordan of Arizona and Theresa Kulas of Texas.  Also, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many dear friends. 

Besides her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her brother Patsy Fortunato and her sister Margaret Couturier. 

Relatives and friends are invited to Rose's visitation on THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2026, FROM 9:15AM TO 10AM at Immaculate Conception Parish, 216 East Dunstable Road, Nashua, NH.  Her funeral mass will begin at 10AM.  Interment will follow at St. Louis Cemetery, 48 West Hollis St. Nashua. 

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