City Mourns the Sudden Death of Mayor's Secretary

It was a sad morning at on Wednesday as city employees learned of the sudden death of DeAnne Auclair, the executive secretary to Mayor Kevin Dumas. 

Auclair, an Attleboro resident and the wife of Leo Auclair, was suffering from symptoms of a heart attack when the call for medical assistance to her Bliss Avenue home came at 3:55 a.m. Auclair was transported to but later died. 

Later that morning, the mood was somber as city workers came to grips with the news of their dear friend's passing. Employees quietly consoled one another. 

"Deanne was a very special person and she will be terribly missed as a part of the city family," said Mayor Kevin Dumas. "She was integral in the daily operations of my office and to many departments within city government. She had the largest heart of anyone that I have ever known as her care for the welfare of others took the number one priority in her life."

City Council President Frank Cook who, like others that morning, was still numb from the news of her passing.

"It's a devastating loss," he said. "All of us are so much in shock. It was so sudden and so unexpected.

"I've known Deanne for several years," he added. "She was a person who put the city first, she was very dedicated and a very hard worker. She made the city of Attleboro a very special place to live and she did it a quiet way by providing funds for heating assistance to the elderly, fireworks and other things."

Cook was referring to Helping Elderly with Assistance Together (HEAT), a non-profit, for which she once served as president and the city's annual Fourth of July fireworks.

Auclair, 62, kept the Mayor's office running for 14 years. She was hired by former Mayor Judith Robbins in 1996. Since then, she has worked to provide the citizens of Attleboro answers to a variety of questions no matter how bizarre or basic. She fielded requests from organizations for appearances by the mayor and complaints and compliments by residents, but most of all she provided 100 percent dedication to her city. And for that, she will be forever remembered.

On Thursday, black and purple bunting was placed outside of City Hall and the city's flag was placed at half mast as a tribute to Auclair. 

"She always put the people of the City of Attleboro first and put herself last everyday," Dumas added. " I will miss my dear friend and she will always be with me in thought and prayer!"

Arrangements for Auclair are being made by . Auclair' obituary can be viewed here.

Please share your thoughts, memories about DeAnne Auclair or condolences here.