A group of Essex women have taken home $88,907 between them after striking big in a December lottery draw. Linda Fenton, Mary Ann Reaume, Rhonda Bonneau, and Sandra Brush won the prize in the Dec. 21, 2024, Lotto 6/49 draw. The women have played together for five years, spanning back to when they worked together at a local meat store. “It was a Sunday morning when I scanned our ticket on the OLG app and discovered we’d won,” said Fenton. “In shock and with shaky hands, I quickly began calling everyone to share the good news. Reaume said she couldn’t believe the news she was hearing, which was a common reaction amongst them. “I said, ‘hold on! Let me put you on speakerphone so my husband can hear this,’” said Bonneau. “I thought, ‘there’s no way this is real. I was shaking too! This was the best news I’d heard in a while.” Bonneau compared the feeling to finding out you’re pregnant and the joy that comes with the news. “You know you’re having a baby, but it doesn’t feel real until you’re holding it,” she said. “The best part is that we’re going through this journey together. I couldn’t imagine winning this prize with anyone else. It’s just beautiful and has brought so much joy. Moving forward, each of them shared what they plan to do with their winnings. Bonneau plans to help her son pay for his upcoming wedding and take a trip to Europe. Brush said she’s headed to Cuba in March, will buy a bunch of Lindor chocolates, and save the remainder. Reaume and her husband are planning a trip to celebrate their 50th anniversary, potentially to Ireland. Fenton will pay off some bills and invest the rest, treating herself later. “This has been a wonderful experience,” said Bonneau. “This is something the girls and I will talk about for years! We can’t wait to come back and collect a $50 million jackpot.” The winning ticket was bought at Circle K on Talbot Street North in Essex.
