Lucille R. (Cardin) Bilodeau

Lucille “Lu” Rita (Cardin) Bilodeau, 76, ascended to the heavens while ,at home in her sleep the morning of June 19, 2026. As a child growing up in the Cardin household, there was never a dull moment. Her father was always bringing home new animals, and the family's farm was home to horses, ponies, cows, chickens, rabbits, and whatever else happened to catch her father’s eye. The family's first pony, Buckwheat, quickly became the favorite and helped spark a lifetime of unforgettable memories. Growing up on Elm Street in Blackstone, she, her siblings, and the neighborhood children shared a love of adventure. They often rode their horses through the woods to Bellingham, where they would treat themselves to clam cakes, chowder, and ice cream at local eateries such as the Log Cabin restaurant and the Chowder Bowl. Lucille also had many adventures with her favorite horses “Houdini” and “Rebel” who she spoke about with great pride. Lucille and her siblings were also involved in 4-H, specializing in sewing (led by her mother), ceramics, horses, cows, & gardening. As an adult Lucille worked as a registered nurse at multiple facilities, including Landmark Medical Center, Overlook Nursing Home, Roger Williams Hospital, St. Antoine Residence, as well as various visiting home nursing agencies. She also taught CNA classes, where she earned a reputation for being a tough instructor. She believed in setting high standards and challenged her students to do their very best. As a mother, Lucille, together with her husband, Paul, worked to give their children the same adventurous childhood she had enjoyed. Their homestead was filled with ponies, horses, farm animals, german shepherd dogs, and plenty of land to explore. She created a place where imagination flourished, exploration happened daily, and the children were happily entertained from sunrise to sunset. Lucille also founded the Hobby Horses 4-H Club, giving her children and others the opportunity to learn, grow, and form friendships that would last a lifetime. Lucille, with Paul, also made time to foster close friendships with some very special people. They enjoyed vacationing and loved spending time with friends and family at their favorite vacation spots like Newport, Bar Harbour, Boothbay Harbor, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Nova Scotia, New Hampshire, Savannah, and Disney World. Looking back, Lucille would probably say her only regret was not taking more opportunities to travel. Lucille will always be remembered for her generosity, not only with her time, but with her talents. She was wonderfully creative and crafty, an exceptional cook and baker, and had a special gift for decorating beautiful, personalized cakes that made every celebration feel unique. She delighted in hosting themed parties for her extended family, pouring her heart into every detail. Lucille had a remarkable way of making everyone feel welcomed, loved, and part of something special. These family gatherings assured her children grew up with close relationships to their grandparents, as well as wonderful aunts, uncles and cousins. Lucille was predeceased by her parents Ernest Joseph Cardin and Jeannine Lillian (Gagnon) Cardin, and sister-in-laws, Celeste Cardin, Nancy Cardin & Jocelyn D Rapko. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Paul Andre Bilodeau, daughters, Renee (Steve) Wojciechowski, Celeste (Walter) Giraitis, and son, Harry Bilodeau, along with six grandchildren Haley, Seth, Alicyn, Ian, Sylas & Hannah. Also survived by her sister Jacqueline (Stephen) Mendrzychowski, and brothers, Maurice (Nancy) Cardin, Ernest (Muriel) Cardin, David (Mary) Cardin, Michael (Mary Coyle) Cardin and Andrew Cardin, brother-in-law, Stephen (Jeannine) Rapko, along with numerous nieces, nephews, as well as grand-nieces and grand-nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, 07/18/2026 at 10:30 am at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs-Holy Trinity Parish, 1409 Park Ave, Woonsocket, RI 02895. Arrangements are under the direction of the Keene-Brown Funeral Home, 445 Greenville Rd., North Smithfield, RI.

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