Edward P. Beaudoin

Edward P. Beaudoin 1923-2009   Edward P. Beaudoin, 85, of Indian Orchard, passed away on Monday, January 19, 2009.  Born in Springfield and a life long resident, he was the son of the late Louis and Catherine (Bergeron) Beaudoin.  Edward was a retired (43) year mechanic for the former Crane Co. Chapman Valve of Indian Orchard.  He was a communicant of St. Jude Church in Indian Orchard.  Edward was a decorated Army veteran of World War II.  He was a member of the 753d Tank Battalion and participated in the Rhineland Central Europe campaigns.  He was a prisoner of war in Germany from Jan. 2, 1945 until his liberation by the American First Army on April 2, 1945.  He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in 1945, the Good Conduct Medal; the American Theatre Campaign Ribbon, the European African Middle Eastern Theatre Campaign Ribbon and the Victory Medal. Edward is survived by his wife of (62) years, Shirley M. (Mayou) Beaudoin; two daughters; Linda Nunes and her husband Orlando of Indian Orchard; Patricia Forrant and her husband Allan of Wilbraham; five grandchildren; Kenneth Nunes, Jayson Nunes, Kimberly White, Nicole Guimond, Christopher Forrant and four great grandchildren; Rachel Nunes, Megan Nunes, Brady Guimond and Corinne White.  Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2009 from the Ratell Funeral Home 200 Main St., Indian Orchard at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Liturgy of Christian Burial in St. Jude Church at 10 a.m.  Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Aloysius Cemetery, Indian Orchard. A calling hour will be held on Thursday morning from 8:30 a.m. until the time of service.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Edward's memory may be made to the Soldiers' Home 110 Cherry St., Holyoke, MA  01040.  For Guest Book & Directions visit ratellfuneralhome.com Ratell Funeral Home (413) 543-3836