Juliette M. Gettens

Juliette M. (Robichaud) Gettens, 95, of Winchendon, formerly of Gardner, died peacefully, Tuesday, February 23, 2021, in Heywood Hospital, Gardner, after a brief illness.

Born in Gardner on January 6, 1926, Juliette was the daughter of the late Joseph L. and Laura (Jaillet) Robichaud and grew up in a family with deep Catholic faith and French-Canadian heritage which remained important to her throughout her life. She loved learning from an early age and was an excellent student, attending Holy Rosary elementary school and graduating from Gardner High with the Class of 1943.

Julie met her husband William (Bill) Gettens in high school. She corresponded with Bill while he was in Europe during World War II; they married in 1946 and soon after started a family. She relished being a mother and wife and always maintained a loving and nurturing environment for her family. She thrived in her family life – energetically caring for her children and grandchildren, sewing clothes, cooking meals, baking pies, and managing a home. Julie and Bill’s home was a welcome gathering place for her parents, siblings, nieces and nephews.  Her children and grandchildren cannot imagine a more loving and devoted mother, grandmother and wife than Julie and they are forever grateful.

Julie worked in the payroll department at Florence Stove Company during high school and the years during World War II. She left her job to raise her children then returned to work when her children were school age. She was as a Secretary and Office Manager for Dr. Tariq Malik, MD until she retired in 1986.

After the loss of her husband Bill in 1992, Julie received support from her friends and made new friends and actively carried on by traveling throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe, designing and making quilts, and vacationing at the family home on Cape Cod.

Julie lived independently until she was 93 at Heywood Place (in the same building that originally housed Heywood Wakefield Furniture where her father had been a foreman) and then moved to Broadview Assisted Living in Winchendon. Although she needed more assistance (and received it), she continued to be active and maintained her kindness, moments of joy and humor, and capacity to love until her passing. The family expresses their appreciation to the staff and residents of Broadview for the wonderful care and attention she received.

Julie was a parishioner of the former Sacred Heart of Jesus Church of Gardner and Annunciation Parish of Gardner. She was a member of the Gardner Chapter of AARP, the Gardner Golden Agers, and the Gardner Women’s Club.   

Julie is survived by her daughter, Nancy J. Gettens and her husband Anthony Giglio of Newton; two sons, Jack Gettens of Troy, NH and his partner Kate Clarke, and Daniel J. Gettens and his wife Mary Alice of Whitinsville; four grandchildren, Erin and Leah Gettens, Gregory and Mark Giglio; a great-grandchild, Josephine Giglio; a brother, Ronald J. Robichaud and his wife Rose Marie of Belmont, NH; a sister, Edith Moore of Vero Beach, FL; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her husband of 45-years, William D. Gettens, who died in 1992; two sisters, Pauline Fallon and Rachel Picardi.

Funeral Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Annunciation Parish, St. Vincent de Paul Society, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA 01440 or a charity of the donor’s choice. Please reference in memory of Juliette M. Gettens.