L'Etoile Tuesday: L'avis Deces Mon Arriere Grand-Mere Mme. Philomene Robillard nee Foucher

Publie dans L'Etoile, Lowell, MA, 4 mars, 1941

DECES
ROBILLARD-- Mme. Philomene Robillard, nee Foucher, citoyenne de cette ville depuis cinquante ans. est decedee hier apres-midi au domicile de sa fille Mme. Fabiola Fournier, 547, rue Moody, a l'age de 71 ans et deux mois, a la suite d'une maladie de plusieurs mois de duree.
Feu Mme. Robillard etait paroissienne de St-Jean Baptiste et etait bien connu dans la paroisse. Elle etait membre de la fraternite du Tiers-Ordre de saint Francois et la congregation des Dames de Ste-Anne. Elle etait aussi membre fondateur de l'Auxilliaire de la Legion franco-americaine.
La defuncte laisse pour pleurer deux filles, Mme Fabiola Fournier et Mme Anita Patenaude, toutes deux de Lowell; trois fils, Rosario Robillard, de North Grosvenordale, Conn; Joseph H. Robillard de Manchester, N. H., et Antonio Robillard de Lowell; un soeur, Mme Rose Robillard de Grosvenordale, Conn. et un frere Theophile Foucher de Fort Benton, et trois arriere-petits-enfants, ansi que plusieurs nieces et neveux.
La depouille mortelle repose en chapelle ardente a la maison funeraire 744, rue Merrimack. C'est de cet endroit que les funerailles auront lieu samedi matin a 9 heures. Un service solennel sera celebre a 10 heures en l'eglise St-Jean Baptiste. Parents et amis sont pries d'y assister. L'inhumation se fera dans le lopin de terre de la famille au cimetiere St-Joseph. Les arrangements funeraires ont ete confies aux ordonnateurs d'enterrement Joseph E. Tremblay.

My translation:

DEATHS
Mrs Philomene Robillard nee Foucher, a citizen of this city for fifty years, died yesterday after noon at the home of her daughter Mrs. Fabiola Fournier, 547, Moody st., at the age of 71 years and two months, following an illness of several months duration.
The late Mrs. Robillard was a parishioner of St-Jean Baptiste and was well known in the parish. She was a member of the fraternity of the Third Order of St. Francis and the congregation of the Sisters of St. Anne. She was also a founding member of the Auxiliary of the La Legion Franco-Americaine.
The deceased leaves to mourn two daughters, Mrs. Fabiola Fournier and Mrs. Anita Patenaude, both of Lowell; three son, Rosario Robillard of North Grosvenordale, Conn., Joseph H. Robillard of Manchester, N. H., and Antonio Robillard of Lowell; a sister, Mrs. Rose Robillard Grosvenordale, Conn.. and a brother Theophile Foucher of Fort Benton, and three great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.
The mortal remains are lying in repose at the funeral home 744, Merrimack Street. It is here that the funeral will be held Saturday morning at 9 o'clock. A solemn service will be celebrated at 10 o'clock in the St-Jean Baptiste church.. Family and friends are requested to attend. Interment will be in the family plot at Cimetiere St-Joseph. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to undertakers Joseph E. Tremblay.

Foodie Friday: Cretons

I made some cretons the other day. Using the recipes I received from my cousin Roger P. Foucher as a guide,  my recipe is as follows:

• 4 lbs of fresh ground pork
• 1 med onion, chopped fine
• 3.5 tsp of celery salt
• abt. 2 tbsp of Bell's (give or take a bit, I didn't measure the Bell's)
• 3 - 4 cups of water (cover pork mixture completely with water)
• Pepper to taste.

Lightly brown pork and onion, then add all of the seasonings, except for the pepper. Add the water and bring mixture to a boil, lower heat and lightly simmer for about 3 - 4 hours or until all the water is gone. You don't want to rush it.

While the mixture is simmering make sure you mash the pork rather frequently (potato masher or wooden spoon, I used both) you want it to be very fine by the time it is done cooking. Once most of the water is gone you can add your pepper. I like pepper.

Cool mixture in the pot (slightly warm to the touch), then pack the mixture into to small containers with tight fitting lids (I reused the containers I've collected from Cote's Market) or you can pack the mixture into molds for a fancier presentation. Then refrigerate overnight. I think I got 5 containers of an unknown size (I'll check on the sizes) out of this recipe.

The fat will rise to the top upon refrigeration and will probably end up sticking to the cover of your container. You can just scrape this off when you open it for the first time.

Enjoy your cretons on toast or crackers. With mustard or with out. Brian said he likes it and that the flavor is very good, just the way he likes it. I, myself, was stark raving mad over it. I think we only have 2 containers left *oink*. However, next time I think I may refrigerate the mixture in the pan that it was cooked in, then pack it into containers. I think doing it this way will make the fat that comes to the top easier to remove.

Surname Saturday: Foucher

1. Me

2. My parents

3. Joseph Zenon Heria Robillard, b. 16 Dec. 1897, Ste-Melanie, Joliette, Quebec and baptised on the 17th at the parish of Ste-Melanie,  m. Louise Esther Wright, 2 Dec. 1917, Boston, MA. d. 24 May 1983, Lowell, MA. Buried 27 May 1983, Cimetiere St-Joseph, Chelmsford, MA

4. Joseph Arthur Robillard,  m. Marie Louise Philomene Foucher, 11 Sept. 1893, Ste-Melanie, Joliette, Quebec.

5. Joseph Foucher, m. Flavie Bruneau , 20 Jan 1857, Ste-Melanie, Joliette, Quebec.

6. Louis Joseph Faucher dit St-Maurice m. Angel-Felicite Boucher dit Barbel, 17 Nov. 1828, Ste-Elisabeth, Joliette, Quebec.

7. Jean-Baptiste Faucher dit St-Maurice, m. Claire Gautron dit Larochelle, 23 October 1797, St-Cuthbert, Berthier, Quebec.

8. Joseph-Jean-Louis Faucher dit St-Maurice, m. Marie-Angelique Mercure dit Villeneuve, 26 February 1770, St-Francois-de-Sales, Neuville (Pointe-aux Trembles), Portneuf, Quebec

9. Jean-Baptiste Faucher dit St-Maurice, m. Marie-Francoise Juneau, 24 August 1724, St-Francois-de-Sales, Neuville (Pointe-aux Trembles), Portneuf, Quebec.

10. Leonard Faucher dit St-Maurice, m. Marie Damoys, 15 October 1669, Notre Dame de Quebec, Quebec.

[Gabriel Drouin, Institut Généalogique Drouin, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Le Fonds Drouin 1621-1967, Quebec vital records, 1667-1679, Quebec (Notre Dame), P.Q., pg.. 50, Leonard Faucher et Marie Damoys, register photocopy to the Basilique Quebec]

Madness Monday: Robillard, Fournier, and Desrosiers, Oh My!

Yesterday I posted a Sentimental Sunday that featured the marriage of Donat Desrosiers and Rita Robillard. In the article that I posted from The Lowell Sun it stated that a Francis Fournier (an usher) was Rita's brother and that a Lorraine Fournier (a bride's maid) was Rita's cousin. Well, I must be thick, because I didn't pick up on that error at all!

Anway, it took an e-mail from my cousin Roger for me to see this error... You see, Roger's e-mail was another "holy crap" email, (that I rec'd at 6 am this morning with out having had any coffee yet! Thanx Rog..) telling me that Donat's father Louis is his grandfather Desrosier's brother! Which makes Donat Roger's mother's first cousin. So for some reason I went back and reread the original Lowell Sun copy and there is where I saw what I had missed in regard to the Francis, brother of Rita, error mentioned above.  Now... I know that Francois Fournier Sr. and Fabiola Robillard had at least three children, Lorraine, Francois and Dolores, so if Lorraine, who was a bride's maid and Rita's cousin, how could Francois, an usher, be her (Rita's) brother!? Thanks for waking me up Roger.. I am too young to be having a senior moment, so we'll just forget about this, right? 

And in regard to the "holy crap" email, the Donat Desrosiers and Rita Robillard marriage is connection number four for me and cousin Roger Foucher! How's that for madness!? And just so I don't confuse you anymore than I already have (yeah right!??) I'll quickly go through our connections in the order in which they were found.. The first way Roger and I are connected is through my paternal great-grandparents, Arthur Robillard and Philomene Foucher. Philomene was Roger's grandfather's (Joseph Narcisse Foucher) sister, making Roger my 2nd cousin 1x removed. The second way we are connected is through Leonard Faucher dit St-Maurice and Marie Damois., making us 6th cousins 4 x removed. This connection is on my maternal side. Charles Therrien, one of my maternal 5th great grandfathers, married Louise Faucher, Roger's third cousin 3x removed. And the third way we are connected is through my maternal side as well with another Desrosiers connection, which, I haven't entered into my datbase yet (hangs head in shame). But as far as I can tell we are connected through Alexis Desrosiers and Maire Reine Courtin dit Sanschagrin  Roger through Alexis' son Alexis and his wife Catherine Bonin and me (my Maille side) through Alexis' son Joseph and his wife Marie Anne Brassard. I do believe Joseph and M. Anne Brassard had a son Pierre who married a Genevieve Beaugrand dit Champage, she died and then he remarried a Francoise Chaput. Francoise gave birth to Marie Adeline Philomene Desrosiers who married Moise Prudhomme and she gave birth to Marie Amanda Prud'Homme who in turn married my g-g grandfather, Joseph A. Maille. Confused? I am!! Btw,  I need to get the records to prove that third connection.

Below I have added some pictures of Antonio Robillard, father of the above mentioned Rita Robillard,  Anonio's sister Fabiola, and his brother Joseph, my grandfather. These pictures were taken circa. mid 1970s at a Robillard family reunion I attended when I was about 9 years old..

Antonio Robillard

My grandfather Joseph, his sister Fabiola and brother Antonio.

The Funeral of L. J. Zenon Robillard, 1918, Lowell, Massachusetts

While I was at the library Thursday I was going through a roll of microfilm of the Lowell Sun from 1918 and as I was looking for Athala Albert's (nee Caron) obituary I just happened to find the funeral of Louis Joseph Zenon Robillard. He and Athala died died 1 day apart. L. J. Z.'s obituary has already been posted to my blog, you can read it here..

Published in The Lowell Sun Friday, December 20, 1918

ROBILLARD--After impressive services at St. Joseph's church all that was mortal of L. J. Zenon Robillard was tenderly consigned to its last resting place in the Catholic cemetery today. The funeral took place from the home of the deceased, 728 Moody street at 8:30 o'clock and the long automobile cortege, headed by a machine filled with beautiful floral offerings, wended its way to St. Joseph's church in Lee street, where, for several years, deceased had been oneof the soloists from the choir.

The congregation was very large, showing the esteem in which Mr. Robillard was held. At 9 o'clock a solemn high mass of requiem was celebrated by Rev. Aureliemn Martell, O. M. I., assisted by Rev. Eugene Turcotte O. M. I., as deacon and Rev. L. N. Bachand O. M. I., as sub-deacon. A choir of over 50 voices, under the direction of Telesphore Malo, rendered the Gregorian mass, the solos being sustained by Dr. George Caisse, Telesphore Malo, Olier J. david, Edouard F. Gegire, Telesphore Brassard, Arthur G. Leveille, and E. J. Laroshelle. At the offertory the choir rendered "Jesu Domine Christe," and at the elevation Dr. Caisse sang "O Meritum Passionis" At the close of the mass "Les Adieux de Schubert" was sung by Miss Antoinette Alexander.

The bearers were the following members of Court St. Paul, C.O.F.: Arthur Lavoie, J. B. Fremeau, Edmond Lambert, Raoul H. Monier, John PInault, Michel Huote. The Lowell aerie of Eagles were represented by Willliam Higgins, Laurent Grenon, Armand V. Sicard and Albert J. Bolduc. Attending the funeral from out of town were Jerome Robillard and Edgar Joly of Cohoes, N. Y. and Mrs. Laura Ross of Nashua, N. H. Burial was in the family lot in St. Joseph's cemetery where the committal prayers were read by Rev. Anthanase Marion, O. M. I. Funeral in charge of Undertakers Amedee Archambault & Sons.

Treasure Chest Thursday: The Birth and Baptism of Joseph Zenon Heria Robillard, 1897 Ste-Melanie, Quebec

Below are copies of my grandfather's birth and baptism records. Joseph Zenon Heria Robillard was born on the 16th of December, 1897 in Ste-Melanie, Joliette, Quebec Canada. He and my oldest daughter, Tabitha, share this birth date. His parents were Joseph-'Arthur' Robillard and Marie-Louise-'Philomene' Foucher.

Also, It has come to my attention that there are several public trees on ancestry.com propagating false information in regard to my grandfather's parentage. Therefore, it is to be noted that my grandfather's parents are NOT the Simeon Robillard and Melina Ayotte Dit Malo Robillard couple.



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1897 Ste-Mélanie d'Alliebout Co-Joliette, PQ
B55 Jos. Zenon Heria Robillard
Register Photocopy to the Greffe of Joliette

This seventeenth day of December one thousand eight hundred and ninety-seven, we the undersigned priest have baptized Joseph Zénon Heria born yesterday from the lawful marriage of Arthur Robillard, shoemaker, and of Philomène Foucher of this parish. The godfather was Zénon Robillard, teacher, and the godmother was Rosanna Foucher both of this parish and who have signed with the father. The godmother is the godfather’s wife. Duly read.

For more information on Joseph please search the label Robillard or contact me on facebook .

Treasure Chest Thursday: The Robillards, Fouchers and a Chaput

This treasure comes to me courtesy of my cousin Roger Foucher (Joseph Hector Gerard, Juliette Simonne Desrosiers) of Washington.

According to Roger, the people in the photo above are as follows... Moving left to right standing,

1. Edward Chaput, husband of Anita G. Robillard (L.J.Zenon, Marie Rose Anna Foucher).

2. Marie Louise Philomene Foucher, (Joseph, Flavie Bruneau) wife of Joseph Arthur Robillard. Philomene was my great-grandmother.

3. Joseph Hector Gerard Foucher (Joseph Narcisse, Marie Boucher) his god parents were Joseph Arthur Robillard and Philomene Foucher.

4. Marie Rose Anna Foucher (Joseph, Flavie Bruneau) Sister to my great-grandmother Philomene and wife of Louis Joseph Zenon Robillard (not pictured here. He was a brother to my great-grandfather).

5. Joseph Arthur Robillard (Jerome, Sophie Riberdy) My great-grandfather and husband to Philomene Foucher.

And kneeling we have, left to right..

Anita G. Robillard (Louis Joseph Zenon, Marie Rose Anna Foucher) wife of Edward Chaput.

Fabiola Robillard (Joseph Arthur, Philomene Foucher) she is wife to Francois Fournier (not pictured here.)

I can't get over the resemblance between Pepere (Joseph Zenon Heria Robillard) and his mother Philomene. Its incredible. Thank-you Roger : )

The Obituary of Albert Boucher, Montreal, Quebec

Published in The lowell Sun Wednesday March 10, 1935, pg. 3.

ALBERT BOUCHER

Albert Boucher, formerly of Lowell, died at his home in Montreal on Sunday after a long illness, aged 50 years. While living in Lowell, he took an active part in sports as pitcher for the C. M. A. C. ball club, the Centralville Blue and the Lyons club. He was a former member of the C. M. A. C. After leaving Lowell, he operated a billiard parlor in Montreal, where local friends used to visit while in Canada. In addition to his wife, Mrs. Blanche Boucher, formerly of Lowell, he leaves a daughter, Therese; his father Ludger Boucher; five sisters in Lowell, Mrs. Narcisse Foucher, Mrs. Adolphe Brassard, Mrs. Edmond Gendreau, Mrs. Jules Dumond and Miss Eva Boucher, and two sisters in St. Paulin, Canada, Mrs. Joseph Lesage and Mrs. Benjamin Lavalle. A brother, Alfred Boucher of Fifth avenue, Lowell, also survives. Funeral services were held this morning in Montreal.

Reception is Tendered, Mr. and Mrs. Boucher, Lowell, Massachusetts

Published in the Lowell Sun Wednesday, October 4th, 1916, pg. 10.

RECEPTION IS TENDERED
MR. AND MRS. BOUCHER

A pleasant gathering of friends took place last evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. L. J. Z. Robillard in Moody street on the occasion of a reception to Mr. and Mrs. Albert Boucher, two prominent young people, formerly of this city, who were recently married in Montreal, Que. There were about 25 couples present and all spent a most enjoyable evening. A musical program was given., those taking part being Miss Stella Latour, Emery C. Gauvin, Telesphore Malo, Alfred Ducharme, Leo Sylvestre, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Boucher, L. J. Z. Robillard, Hector Robillard, Armand Sicard and others. A buffet luncheon was served and the party broke up at a seasonable hour after those present had extended thier best wishes to the couple.

Mr. Boucher, who is holding a responsible position at the Flaunce (sp?) hotel in Montreal, was married to Miss Blanche Patry, a prominent young woman of the Canadian metropolis and formerly of this city, on Sept 19, the ceremony being performed at St. Pierre Clayer church, The young couple left on a honeymoon trip through New England and are at present in this city.

Mr. Boucher is well known in this city especially in minstrel and baseball circles. At one time he was a member of the Dixwells and Mt. Groves, and was noted as a clever third baseman. He is still interested in baseball, being a team member of a strong amateur team of Montreal, the Metropole, which won 21 games out of 24 during the past season. The couple will remain in this city until after the world's series, for the will take in the games in Boston.

A little article about a party that Louis Joseph Zenon Robillard (Jerome, Sophie Riberdy dit Sansoucy) threw for Albert Boucher and his wife. Albert Boucher was the brother of Marie Boucher (Ludger, Marie Laberge). Marie Boucher married Joseph Narcisse Foucher (Joseph, Flavie Bruneau), on the 26th of December in Lowell, MA. Narcisse was the brother of my great-grandmother Marie Louise Philomene Foucher. Marie Louise Philomene married Joseph Arthur Robillard on the 11th of September, 1893 at Ste-Melanie. And Joseph Arthur was the brother of, the host of the party, L. J. Z. Robillard.

Tombstone Tuesday: The Robillard Family, Cimetière Saint Joseph, Chelmsford, Massachusetts

Here in this plot, Sec. C, Lot 12, are our Robillards. All of whom, at one time or another, were residents of Lowell, Massachusetts. Buried here are, Louis Joseph Zenon, 40 years old; who was the brother of Joseph Arthur Robillard, 69; who was the husband of Philomene Foucher, 71; who was the mother of Joseph Rosario, 54; who was the husband of Noella Bernier (Thurber), 79; who was the sister in law of Joseph Zenon Heria Robillard, 85; who was the husband of Louise E Wright, 93; who I think was the mother of Joseph 2j. I have the documentation for this plot and it is to be noted that, according to the plot documentaion, Joseph Rosario Robillard was removed from CT and buried at St-Joseph Cemetery, Chelmsford, MA in Oct. of 1946. He died in Bronx VA Hospital on 18 Oct. 1945. Sadly, I have yet to find an obituary for him.

Treasure Chest Thursday: The Obituary of Louis Joseph Zenon Robillard, 1918 Lowell, Massachusetts

Published in The Lowell Sun 18 Dec 1918, pg. 11.

L. J. Z. ROBILLARD DIED YESTERDAY

L. J. Zenon Robillard, prominent in fraternal, social and musical circles of this city died late yesterday afternoon at his home, 725 Moody street, Pawtucketville, after an illness of but a few days, death being due to a pneumonia. Deceased was taken ill with what was believed to be a slight cold last Thursday evening after attending a local theater, but his illness soon developed into pneumonia and the end came yesterday while he was surrounded by his wife and four young children.

Mr. Robillard was born at Ste. Melanie, Que.. Dec 30 1877 and after completing his studies at the Montreal seminary he came to this city where he secured employment as a bookkeeper for a local concern. After his marriage to Miss Rose Anna Foucher of this city, he returned to Canada with his wife, but came back to Lowell about 18 years ago and had made his home here since. For the past two years he was employed as a bookeeper for L. F. L. Turcotte & Co., in Merrimack street, where he was held in the highest esteem by both is employers and fellow employees.

Possessed of a genial disposition Mr. Robillard has a way of his own of making friends and the friends he made he held. He was always cheerful and his bright smile and sunny disposition assured him a welcome everywhere.

Deceased was a singer of great ability and an accomplished musician and for many years he was a conspicuous figure at social gatherings. He was connected with St. Joseph's church choir and was the bass soloist in the church double quartet that sang at requiem masses.

Mr. Robillard was a man of good habits and had no enemy. He was an exemplary father, and devoted husband and was always ready to lend a helping hand to a friend in need. He was a prominent member of Court St. Paul, C.O.F., the Lowell aerie of Eagles and Club Citoyens-Americains. He is survived by his bereaved wife, four children, Hector, Anita, Stella and Edna; five brothers, Octavien of Ste. Melanie, Que., Joseph of Montreal, Que., Arsene and Jerome of Cohoes, N. Y., and J. Arthur of this city; four sisters, Mesdames Pierre Joly of Joliette, Que., Gilbert Joly of Cohoes, N. Y., Joseph Deshais of Michigan and Geo. Ducharme of Springfield.

I was unable to find any information pertaining to his funeral. However, I do know that he is buried in

L. J. Z. is buried in sec. c, lot 12 at Cimetiere St. Joseph, Chelmsford, Massachusetts. L.J.Z. (as I call him) Robillard was the son of Jerome (my father's namesake) and Sophie Riberdy. He was also the husband of Rosanna Foucher. The couple was married on 18 May 1896 at Lowell, Massachusetts [Source: Massachusetts Archives-Robillard Zenori Lowell 1896 461 217 Marriage] He was also an uncle and godfather to my paternal grandfather, Joseph Zenon Heria Robillard.

The Obituary of Mrs. Edna R. Hebert, Putnam, Connecticut, 1991

Published in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, May 7th, 1991, pg. A9.

THOMPSON - Edna R. (Robillard) Hebert, 80, formerly of 1222 Riverside Dr., North Grosvenordale, died yesterday in Matulaitis Nursing Home,Thurber Road, Putnam.

She leaves her husband of 62 years, Edward Hebert of Putnam; a son, Norman R. Hebert of Farmington, Conn.; a daughter, Jacqueline Lorman of Orlando, Fla.; a sister, Stella Robillard of Grosvenordale; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

She was born in Lowell, daughter of Zennon [sic] and Rose (Faucher) Robillard, and lived most of her life in Thompson before moving to Putnam in 1981. Mrs. Hebert was an assembler for many years at Deran Candy Co. in North Grosvenordale, retiring in 1970. She was previously an inspector in the cloth room at the former Cluett-Peabody Co. in North Grosvenordale. Mrs. Hebert was a member of St. Joseph's Church in North Grosvenordale.

The funeral will be held tomorrow from Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., North Grosvenordale, with a Mass at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph's Church, 18 Main St., North Grosvenordale. Burial will be in the parsih cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home are 7 to 9 tonight.

The Obituary of Joseph H. Robillard, Lowell, Massachusetts, 1983

Joseph H Robillard
....World War I veteran
Joseph H Robillard, of 65 Summer St., husband of Mrs. Louise E (Wright) Robillard died yesterday after a lengthy illness. He was born in Canada and had been a resident of Lowell more than 50 years.He was the son of the late Arthur and Philomene (Foucher) Robillard. Before his retirement he worked as a maintenance man at J.P. Stevens Mills for several years. He was a veteran of World War I. He was a member of the Lowell Indian Association being Chief Grey Wolf and the Chanteclerc Snowshoer Club.Besides his wife he is survived by two daughter, Mrs. Rose Chandonnet of Colorado and Mrs Joan Greene of West Groton; six sons, James Robillard of Maine, Joseph of Florida, Frank of Lowell, Robert of Lowell, Richard of California and Jerome of New Hampshire; a brother, Antonio (Tony) Robillard of Lowell; also 57 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren.

Publication information unknown. Most likely in the Lowell Sun. Copy of publication rec'd from Richard Robillard, Oct 2007.

Theophile Foucher: The Man From Montana

   Mesdames J. A. Robillard of James St. and L. J. Z. Robillard of Moody St. as well as Narcisse Foucher of Moody St. were given a real New Year's Surprise Sunday morning when they received a visit from their brother, Joseph T. Foucher of Fort Benton Montana, whom they had not seen for 35 years.
   Mr. Foucher before leaving his home in Montana wrote a letter to his Lowell relatives informing them that he was on his way to Lowell, but the letter did not reach this city until Monday morning, a day after the arrival of the writer. It is needless to say that the reception accorded the visitor was an unusual one, for the Lowellites had been looking for years to see their long lost brother.
   Mr. Foucher left Canada 36 years ago for the western part of the states. He went to Michigan, where he remained for 12 years, during which time he was married. He is now the father of eight children. About 24 years ago he removed to Great Falls, Mont. where he secured employment in the largest smelting plant in the world. A few years ago he took up a government homestead of 320 acres at Fort Benton, Mont. and became so prosperous that two years ago he purchased 240 more acres of land and now is the owner of one of the largest farms in the state.
   Mr. Foucher will remain in Lowell six weeks and then he will tour the New England states and Canada before returning to his home.

Published in The Lowell Sun, Tuesday, 2 January, 1917, pg. 4.

The Obituary of Philomene Robillard nee Foucher, 1941, Lowell, Massachusetts, 1941

Here is the death notice for Philomene (Foucher) Robillard wife of Joseph Arthur Robillard. Published in the Lowell Sun March 6, 1941. She died on 5 Mar 1941.

Mrs Philomene Robillard
Mrs. Philomene (Foucher) Robillard, a resident of this city for the past 50 years, died yesterday afternoon at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Fabiola Fournier, 517 Moody St, following an illness of several months. Mrs. Robillard was an attendant of St. Jean Baptiste church and was well known throughout the parish.
She was a member of the Third Order of St. Francis and of the Ste. Anne Sodality and also was a charter member of La Legion Franco-American Auxillary. She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Fabiola Fournier and Mrs. Anita Patenaude, both of Lowell; three sons, Rosario Robillard of North Grosvenordale Conn., Joseph H Robillard of Manchester, N. H. and Antonio Robillard of Lowell; one sister, Mrs Rose Robillard of North Grosvenordale Conn., and one brother, Mr. Theophile Foucher of Fort Benton Mont; 17 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.

The Obituary of Joseph Arthur Robillard, 1937, Lowell, Middlesex, Massachusetts

Here is the death notice of my paternal great-grandfather, Joseph Arthur Robillard.

Published on page 2 of Lowell Saturday Sun, 30 Jan., 1937.

Joseph A. Robillard

Joseph Arthur Robillard a resident of this city for many years, died earlier today at his home, 90 Aiken St., after a long illness, aged 69 years. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Philomene (Foucher) Robillard, and two daughters, Mrs. Leo Patenaude and Mrs Francois Fournier of this city. Three sons, Rosario and Heria of Central Falls, R. I., and Antonio Robillard of Lowell, and a brother Jerome Robillard of Cohoes, N. Y. He was a member of The Holy Family Soldality of St. Joseph's parish and The Catholic Foresters, Court St. Antoine No. 566.

Published in The Lowell Sun, 2 Feb., 1937

JOSEPH A. ROBILLARD

The funeral of Joseph Arthur Robillard took place this morning at 9 o'clock from his home, 90 Aiken street, and was highly attended by relatives and friends. A 9 o'clock at St. Jean Baptiste church a Solemn high funeral mass was celebrated by Rev. Andre Payette, O. M. I., assisted by Rev. Alphonse Houle O. M. I., as deacon and Rev. Narcisse Cotnoir, O. M. I as sub deacon. The choir, under the direction of Rudolphe E. Pepin, sung the requim mass by Pietro A. Yon. The solos were sung by Elzear Cote, Wilfred Jacques, Eugene Corbell and Rudolphe Pepin. Scated within the sanctuary was Rev. Edward J. Carrier, O. M. I. The Holy family Sodality was represented by Adelard Isabelle, Hermenlglide Ducharme, Lucien Bergeron, Joseph Valee, Amdee Jacob and Alfred Genest. The Catholic Foresters Court St. Antoine was represented by John H Primeau, Ferdinand Rousseau, Cleophas Heroux, Anastasie Beauregard, Maxime Cornellier and Joseph Boudreau. La Legion Franco-Americain was represented by Alfred Hall and Joseph Mercier, and the auxillary of the Legion by Laura Gilbert, Rose Lamoureux and Eva Duguay. The bearers were Gaspard Bourgeault, Henry Nadeau, Alcide Riberdy, Alexander Clermont, Adelard Rivet and Arthur Deneault. There were many floral offerings. Burial took place in the family lot in St. Joseph's Cemetery where the committal prayer were read by Rev. Napoleon Savard, O. M. I. The arrangements were under the direction of Funeral Directors Amdee Archambault & Sons.