Haverhill: Michelle M. (McGovern) Paquette, 57, a longtime teacher at the Caleb Dustin Hunking School in Bradford, died from natural causes, after being stricken at her home on Saturday, May 18 2019.
Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, daughter of Frederick W. McGovern and Mona E. Stinson, she was educated and raised in Lynn and graduated from Saint Mary's High School with the Class of 1979. Michelle earned her Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice from Northshore Community College and her Bachelor of Arts Degree in American Studies from Lesley University and later, her Master's Degree in Special Education from Salem State College.
Michelle was a well-respected and loved sixth, seventh and eighth grade teacher at the Hunking School since 1998 as well as a Special Education Teacher for grades 5 to 8 in the Summer Program since 2004. She had also previously been employed by the Department of Public Safety in Boston.
A member of the Hunking School Leadership Team, Michelle held a professional license in Moderate Disabilities for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She also was a volunteer at the Veterans Northeast Outreach Center in Haverhill.
A devoted wife and mother, Michelle enjoyed cooking as well as hosting family and friends in her home. She enjoyed boating and spending time on Lake Ossipee, skiing in her younger years and was a devoted and caring dog owner.
She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her husband Normand R. Paquette, daughters Kara H. Shanahan and Megan S. Shanahan, both of Haverhill, sons, Nicholas A. Paquette and his fiancé Jessica Palermo, of Haverhill and U.S. Navy Seaman Ryan F. Shanahan of Haverhill, her mother Mona E. Stinson of Haverhill, her father Frederick W. McGovern and his wife Patricia of Salem, MA, a brother Joseph McGovern, and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Relatives and friends are invited to Michelle's Life Celebration to be held on Thursday, May 23, 2019 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, 116 Main St., Plaistow, NH. Her funeral will begin on Friday morning at 9:15 a.m. from the funeral home with her funeral service to be held at 10:30 a.m. in Sacred Hearts Church, South Main St., Bradford, MA. Donations in Michelle's name may be made to the Veterans Northeast Outreach Center, 10 Reed St. Haverhill, MA. To send a message of condolence to the family, please visit www.brooksidechapelfh.com