Paulette Jean Bashaw

Paulette Jean Bashaw (Groleau), passed away peacefully on December 20, 2025, in Amesbury, MA, at the age of 77. Paulette lived a life marked by kindness, resilience, and deep devotion to her family and friends.

Born Paulette Jean Groleau on February 7, 1948, in Newburyport, Massachusetts, she was the treasured daughter of the late Robert and Lorraine (Cote) Groleau. Raised in the family home on Lincoln Street in Newburyport’s charming South End, Paulette enjoyed an idyllic childhood alongside her younger brothers Ricky and Jimmy. Her early years were filled with warmth and laughter, family and community—a foundation that shaped the caring and loving woman she would become.

Raised in the French Catholic tradition, Paulette began her education at The French School at St. Aloysius de Gonzaga Church and graduated from Newburyport High School with the Class of 1965.

As an X-ray technician at both Lahey Clinic and Anna Jaques Hospital, Paulette’s gentle nature and professionalism left a lasting impression on patients and colleagues alike. In addition to her work in healthcare, Paulette was well known in the community for her warm presence while waitressing at local restaurants the Captain’s Quarters and Park Lunch. Her friendly demeanor and genuine interest in others made her a favorite among patrons and helped her forge many lifelong friendships.

Her greatest joy came from motherhood. Paulette’s sons, Erik and Brett, were the pride of her life. It was through raising them that she found her true calling—nurturing with unwavering love and support. Her devotion to her family was evident in every aspect of her life.

Paulette had a gift for making a house feel like home. She found joy in tending to her flower boxes, writing heartfelt letters, creating personalized greeting cards, and chatting on the phone with those she held dear. These simple pleasures reflected the peace she brought into every space she entered. She will be remembered for the love she gave so freely, the friendships she nurtured over decades, and the quiet strength that defined her journey. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her husband James M. Bashaw; sons Erik and Brett Bashaw; brother James Groleau and his wife Karen; their daughter Nicole Groleau; nephews Christopher and Jason Groleau; step-daughter Rachael Crue (Pike), her husband David, their sons Jacob and Jared; brother-in-law Robert A. Bashaw III, his children Martha Graves and Kevin Bashaw; and also many dear friends and family who were touched by her kindness. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Lorraine, brother Richard Groleau and his wife Dianne, as well as by her former husband Robert F. Chaisson; and by her dear uncle Arthur Cote and his wife Rosemarie.

Calling hours will be held on December 30, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Elliott, Woodworth & Rogers Family Funeral Home, 35 Green Street, Newburyport MA, followed by a funeral service at the funeral home, and a Graveside Service at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 36 Storey Ave, Newburyport MA.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 .

Paulette’s family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the outstanding care, compassion, and kindness provided to her by the staff of Milltown Health & Rehabilitation and Brookhaven Hospice.