Southampton, MA – Ann (Perfito) Girouard, a beloved mother, grandmother, and matriarch, passed away peacefully at her home on October 23, 2025, at the age of 83, with her sister, Judy Twiss, by her side.
Born on July 26, 1942, in Northampton, she was the daughter of John and Jeanette (Laflamme) Perfito. Ann spent a wonderful early childhood in Northampton’s Hampshire Heights Project before moving to Easthampton, where she graduated from St. Michael’s High School in 1960.
In 1961, at the age of 19, Ann married, Robert aka “Ziggy” Girouard. Before children arrived, they enjoyed motorcycle rides, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of shared adventures. Alongside family and friends, they enjoyed camping, 4-H, and traveling to Mexico, Canada, and the beloved beaches of Maine. Ann lived her entire married life in the brick home that her father, John Perfito, and Ziggy built, a home that became the heart of her family.
Ann and Ziggy raised four children on Greener Pastures Farm, a place that will forever hold special meaning for the entire family. Ann loved watching the seasons turn from her outdoor swing-observing the neighbors, the wildlife, the hay being made, and even the simple beauty of the leaves changing color.
Ziggy’s passing in 2003 left a profound loss, but it cemented Ann’s role as the unwavering matriarch of the family. Her life was also marked by the loss of her younger brother Tony, nephews, nieces, godchildren, including Michael, Jimmy, Mathew, Terry, Daniel, and many treasured friends, all of whom she loved deeply.
To know Ann was to appreciate her keen insight, wisdom, and wonderful humor. She instilled strong values in her family and maintained an open-door policy where laughter was always plentiful. There was truly never a dull moment around her. Ann was a proud and active member of her community: she was an advocate for girls’ sports, a member of the Southampton Mother’s Club, and enjoyed working the voting polls. Her Saturday mornings were dedicated to her passion for tag sales, where her great eye for valuable and interesting items left us with many “collections”. Most importantly, Ann was the devoted keeper of the family bond, and always enjoyed seeing her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to all her dedicated caretakers, her “Friday night crew,” and her beloved childhood friend, Sandie Cunningham.
She is survived by her four loving children, Nancy Kaye, Kay Hanley, Peter Girouard, and Linda Hyjek; as well as 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren and their spouses.
Calling hours will be held at Mitchell’s Funeral Home on Sunday, October 26th, from 3–5 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Our Lady of the Valley on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 11:00 AM, followed by burial at Center Cemetery in Southampton.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Southampton Historical Society in her memory, P.O. Box 59, Southampton, MA 01073.
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