WESTFIELD: Aurore Marie Yvette (Gosselin) Juke, “AJ”, (1938-2021) was called home to Jesus on August 23, 2021. She was born on October 12, 1938 to the late Romeo and Irene (Morin) Gosselin in Holyoke, Massachusetts. She grew up in Vermont attending convent school in Burlington, VT; subsequently graduating from Troy, New York. She lived in Westfield most of her life, but lived in Feeding Hills and Florence, SC. as well.
She was predeceased by her infant brother Neil, and her sister-in-law Sharon Merlo-Gosselin. She leaves her beloved daughter, Neilda Henke and her husband Mark of Southwick, MA. Her brother Lawrence Gosselin and his wife Joanne of Westfield, her brother Marcel Gosselin and his wife Betty of Chicopee, and her sister Veronique “Nicky” Holloway and her husband Richard of Westfield. Grandma Juke will live on forever in the hearts of her grandchildren Troy Henke and his wife Elizabeth, and Ross Henke and his partner Karla. She also had 4 great-grandchildren whom she cherished, Evelyn, Lauren, & Joseph Henke, and Isabella Henke. She will be sadly missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and family friends. Her greatest times and blessings were the times she spent with her family and friends.
AJ worked for many years at the former Old Colony Envelope Company, and after suffering a horrific accident as a pedestrian, she didn’t let her handicap hold her down, having worked for almost 20 years at the former Digital Equipment Corp. in Westfield. After her retirement, she enrolled in Clown School, graduated and became “Granny Grit”, entertaining children and adults with balloon bouquets, balloon animals, and her famous kazoo. She was a registered clown in Clowns of America International and a member of the Pioneer Valley Clown Alley 225. She was a life member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Ladies Auxiliary. AJ was a gifted embroiderer and crocheter. She loved to make “special gifts” for family and friends. She also loved to tell jokes and play games.
Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, August 29 from 1-3 P.M. at the Firtion Adams Funeral Home, located at 76 Broad St. in Westfield. Funeral will be held on Monday, August 30 beginning at 9:00 A.M. from the funeral home, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial beginning at 10:00 A.M. at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church in Westfield. Burial will immediately follow at the New Cemetery in Southwick, MA. Donations in Aurore’s name may be directed to the VFW Dept. of MA Foundation, or the Westfield Homeless Cat Project.
The family would like to thank the staff of Mt. St. Vincent Nursing Home, now known as Mission Care of Holyoke, and the Beaven Kelly Rest Home of Holyoke for all of your care and kindness to AJ.
