Bernadette Lachance

Bernadette “Bunny” Lachance, loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister, passed away on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, at the age of 88. Bunny was born on November 18th, 1937, in Worcester, Massachusetts, the first born child of Raymond Joseph Savignac, MD and Bernadette Lumina Savignac.

Bunny spent her early years in Worcester ice skating and cheerleading for her beloved Holy Name of Jesus Catholic High School where she met the love of her life, and future husband, Andre “Andy” Lucian Lachance. She graduated from Anna Maria College in Paxton, Massachusetts, with a BA in mathematics. She and Andy were married and Bunny began her married life as an Air Force officer’s wife. She dedicated the next twenty five years to raising her children and creating a nurturing environment for her family. The family’s favorite assignment was Hickam AFB in Oahu, Hawaii. Bunny and Andy made several trips back to Hawaii to celebrate special occasions, the last being their 60th wedding anniversary. While stationed at the Pentagon and living in Virginia, they purchased a beach getaway house in Nags Head, NC where they spent several years enjoying their children and grandchildren. Upon retirement they moved to Hobe Sound, FL where they both became avid golfers. Bunny was a member of the Women’s Golf Association and had several hole-in-ones! Their last move was to Indian River Colony Club, a military golf retirement community in Melbourne, FL, which they both loved. Bunny remained active in her community until her death.

Bunny was predeceased by her husband Andy Lachance and is survived by her children, Julie Patton and her husband John, Andy Lachance and his wife Christine, and Renee Tolbert and her husband John; her siblings Raymond Savignac and his partner Midge Wetzel, and Michelle Savignac. Bunny was the proud grandmother of eight boys: John Patton, Michael Patton, Jeffrey Patton, Steven Lachance, Kevin Lachance, Daniel Lachance, Gregory Tolbert and Christopher Tolbert, each of whom brought her immense joy and pride. She also leaves behind her adored 11 great grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at the Indian River Colony Club Chapel in Melbourne, FL on Saturday, May 30th at 11am with a reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made in Bunny’s name to her caregivers at The Addison of Port Orange Assisted Living Facility