Jeanette L. (Casella) Rheaume

Natick - Jeanette L. (Casella) Rheaume, formerly of Waltham, died peacefully surrounded by family at home on October 10, 2024. She was 91. 

Born on April 14, 1933 in Waltham she was a daughter of the late Salvatore and Concetta (Manero) Casella. 

Jeanette is survived by her children Linda Kadlik and partner, Timothy Connelly of Clinton, Anne Young and husband, Tim of Natick, Theresa Guittard and husband, Stephen of Celina, TX, Thomas Rheaume and wife, Shawné of Cabot, AR, Marie Muller and husband, Ed of Nashua, NH, and Kevin Rheaume and wife, Teresa of Kennebunk, ME. She is also survived by her brother, Robert Casella of Waltham, sister-in-law’s Sandy Casella of Waltham and Mary Casella of Lexington; her grandchildren, Erin Archiable, Nicole Mallin, Timothy and Deanna Young, Monica, Madeline, and Anthony Rheaume. In addition, she is survived by two great-grandchildren, Colby Archiable and Norah Young, as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Jeanette is predeceased by her husband Alphonse Thomas Rheaume, parents, Salvatore and Concetta (Manero) Casella, siblings Carmella Casella, Salvatore Casella, Mary Colantropo, and James Casella.

Born and raised in Waltham, Jeanette graduated from Waltham High School, where she was a cheerleader and often went by the nickname of Ginger. As a child she frequently took in and cared for stray animals. Jeanette loved to bargain shop, stop at yard sales and spend time with her friends and family. 

She loved raising her six children. During her spare time, she volunteered at Waltham Hospital as a Pink Lady, assisting at the gift store and escorting patients through the hospital. When her children were older, she worked at Charles Manero Catering with her uncle, Charlie and several family members. Jeanette spent many hours volunteering at Sacred Heart Parish in Waltham, alongside her sisters Carmella and Mary. Jeanette also enjoyed spending time with her lifelong friends, Angie and Vera, volunteering and taking trips. She will be remembered for her gentleness and the unwavering love she showed family and friends.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Good Shepherd Hospice and their wonderful staff. 

Family and friends will honor and remember Jeanette’s life by gathering in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20) for a morning wake on Tuesday, October 22nd from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. before leaving in procession to Sacred Heart Church, 311 River Street, Waltham where her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery. 

The funeral Mass will be livestreamed via https://www.sacredheart311.com/watch-match

Expressions of sympathy may be made in Jeanette’s memory to the Sacred Heart Church, 311 River Street, Waltham, MA 02453 or https://www.sacredheart311.com/ or Kitty Angels, Inc. P.O. Box 638 Tyngsboro, MA 01879 or https://www.kittyangels.org or a local animal shelter of your choosing.