Norman R. Rouisse

Norman R. Rouisse, 81, of Petersham Road, died peacefully at home with his family on Monday, December 22, 2014.      Norman was born the youngest of four siblings in Fitchburg, MA, November 20, 1933, the son of Robert E. and Eva (Marcil) Rouisse.  He grew up in Fitchburg, graduating from Fitchburg High School in 1952, then married and had two children before moving to Athol in 1961.      Norman was a member of the Army National Guard for six years where he was trained as a radio operator.  He was deployed to service during the epic 1953 Worcester tornado which caused devastation across central Massachusetts.      As a career printer, Norman first worked for the former Independent Lock Co. in Fitchburg, then for Modern Printing in Athol and lastly for Harrington & Richardson Arms, Co. in Gardner. Norman grew up helping around the small family farm and later working with his siblings to build and remodel their homes.  He was a home body and his greatest joys were to spend time working in the yard, tending the garden and fixing things alongside his wife and dogs.  He enjoyed many summers at his family camp in Stoddard, New Hampshire.      Norman leaves his loving wife of 32 years, Nancy R. (Haven) Hawk Rouisse; his daughters, Diane M. (Rouisse) Cook and her husband Steven of Barre, MA and Jayne Rouisse of Shirley, MA, a grandson, Clarke Rouisse Bubar and his step-son Robert R. Hawk of Surrey, NH.  He also leaves his sisters Rita D. Forest of Grayville, IL and Lorraine E. Stevenson and her husband Richard, his brother Robert E. Rouisse and his wife, Nancy, all of Fitchburg as well as many nieces and nephews.      It was Norman's wish that there be no services.  In lieu of flowers it was his wish that contributions be made to: the Athol Animal Shelter, “for animal care,” c/o Athol Police Dept., 280 Exchange Street, Athol, MA  01331.   Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main St., Athol is directing the arrangements.  For further information or to share a memory with the family go to: www.higginsoconnorfuneralhome.com $(document).ready(function(){ });