Inspiring Public Service: Connie Perreault’s Life of Civic Leadership

Everyday Hero: Connie Perreault’s Legacy of Dedication and Change in Blackstone

In a small town like Blackstone, real change often starts with someone willing to raise their hand, ask the tough questions, and do the work behind the scenes. For over four decades, Connie Perreault was that someone. She didn’t just serve—she shaped the very fabric of local government and proved that one person truly can make a lasting difference.

Connie’s journey in public service began in 1969 as a member of the Charter Study Commission. Just a few years later, in 1972, she became the first woman elected to the Blackstone Board of Selectmen, breaking barriers and setting a bold new precedent in a time when many doubted a woman’s place in town leadership. Her response? Show up, stay informed, and serve with grit and grace.

From that point on, Connie’s contributions to Blackstone became a blueprint for civic commitment. She served on the Blackstone-Millville Regional School Committee for a decade, leading as both vice chairwoman and chairwoman, before joining the Finance Committee, and then returning to the Board of Selectmen for a 15-year run that included time as vice chairwoman and chairwoman once again.

But Connie’s work went far beyond titles. Whether serving on advisory boards, subcommittees, or tackling tough budget seasons, she brought her full self to every challenge. She asked the hard questions, welcomed different viewpoints, and always put the needs of Blackstone first—even when it wasn’t easy, or popular.

Over the years, Connie’s dedication never went unnoticed. In 2011, the Board of Selectmen — Robert Dubois, Charles Sawyer, John Wozniak, and Joseph Marchand — honored her with a retirement award that reflected the deep respect she had earned across the community. They recognized her not only for her years of service, but for the loyalty, leadership, and heart she brought to every meeting and every decision. She was more than a colleague — she was a mentor and a friend, and her presence on the Board left a lasting mark.

And though official titles may have changed, Connie’s commitment never wavered. A proud resident of the Millerville section of Blackstone, she has always worked to ensure every neighborhood voice had a seat at the table. Even after stepping away from formal roles, she remains a regular at town meetings and continues to contribute sharp, thoughtful opinion pieces to the Blackstone Enlightener — sparking conversation, debate, and deeper reflection among her fellow residents.

Those who served with her speak of mutual respect and unwavering dedication. “We may not have always agreed,” one former colleague shared, “but we could always listen to each other’s views.” Her decades of service inspired generations, including voters like Bob Dubois, who remembers casting his very first ballot for Connie in 1972.

Perhaps most notably, Connie shattered expectations, not just for herself, but for every woman who followed. When she first ran for the Board of Selectmen, she was told to “go home and raise your kids.” Instead, she went on to lead two major town bodies—the first woman to do so—while proving that being a mother and a leader weren’t mutually exclusive.

Her daughter, Lisa Perreault Buckley, recalls with pride: “She was absolutely devoted to the Town of Blackstone, never missing meetings and always doing her pre-meeting homework.”

In May 2025, the Board of Selectmen dedicated the Town of Blackstone 2024 Annual Town Report to Connie—a fitting tribute, but one that only scratches the surface of her legacy.

Because Connie Perreault is more than a name in a report. She is a symbol of what it means to care deeply about your town. She is proof that stepping up matters, that local government thrives when people bring both heart and backbone to the table.

In a world that often moves fast and forgets quickly, Connie reminds us that the work we do close to home—the school committees, the budget debates, the voices in the room—are what truly shape a community.

Blackstone is better because of her.

Be the Next Voice That Shapes Blackstone

Connie Perreault’s story is a reminder that our communities are only as strong as the people who choose to get involved. Today, many boards, committees, and local groups in Blackstone need volunteers—people from all walks of life who care about where they live and are willing to lend their time and perspective.

Whether it’s serving on a town board, joining a civic organization, or supporting a local event, your involvement matters. Every voice at the table helps make decisions more thoughtful, more inclusive, and more reflective of the community as a whole.

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Photos courtesy of Lisa Perreault Buckley and Ed Castonguay.

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