Annette Jeanne (Provost) Schirch

Annette Jeanne (Provost) Schirch, age 83, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2023. Annette was born in Holyoke, daughter of the late Leo and Bertha (Fournier) Provost, and was a 1957 graduate of South Hadley High School. She graduated from Providence School of Nursing in 1960 and then served in the United States Air Force from 1961 to 1962. She worked as a Registered Nurse for many years at long term care and assisted living facilities. She was a homemaker and avid gardener while her children were young. She later enjoyed a happy retirement from nursing, with many wonderful friends and travels. She also created beautiful paintings, drawings, watercolors, and Christmas cards. Annette was a breast cancer survivor since 1992 and lifelong devout Catholic. Annette was predeceased by her husband, Roland J. Schirch in 1999. She is survived by three daughters: Marianne Hurley and her husband Bob of Albany, NY, Amy Beth Leitl and her partner Louis Judd of Hadley, and Laura Jean Smith and her husband Darren of Westfield; seven grandchildren: Daniel Hurley (Dalia), Katherine Mohen (Christopher), Matthew Hurley, David Schirch, Johnathan Smith, Samantha Smith, and Dakota Smith; three great-grandchildren: Connor, Brady and Victoria; her twin sister Jeannette Newton; a brother, Normand Provost and his wife Ann; a sister-in-law Renee Provost; and many nieces and nephews. Annette was predeceased by a brother, Richard Provost.

The funeral will be held Friday April 28 at 10:30am from the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am in Blessed Sacrament Church, Holyoke. Burial will be held in Saint Jerome Cemetery. Calling hours are Friday from 9:00am to 10:30am. Because Annette loved flowers and pretty colors, please feel free to reflect that in your attire.

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