Patricia R. (Goodrich) Lebel, 80

Passed away peacefully at her home in Grafton on May 31st, surrounded by the love and care of her family, after a long and courageous journey with COPD.

She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She leaves behind her beloved children, Shawn Lebel and husband Albert of Lake Worth, FL, Karen Boucher of Whitinsville, Lois LeGere of Woonsocket, RI and Tanya LeBlanc of Putnam, CT. Her love and influence live on in her nine grandchildren- Joshua, Nicole, Mycala, Ashley, Melissa, Courtney, Mallory, Leo and Lane- and six great grandchildren, each of whom brought her great joy and pride. She is also survived by her brother Bernard Goodrich of Alabama, sisters Gail Haddad of Sturbridge and Nancy Goodrich of Spencer. She was predeceased by her parents as well as her siblings Frederick, Wayne, and Janice Mateiko.

Born in Worcester, she was the daughter of the late Frederick and Frances (Damon) Goodrich. She graduated from the former Commerce High School in 1963, and soon after, became a Practical Nurse following in her mother’s footsteps. She spent many years caring for others at the former Mill Hill nursing home, always treating patients with compassion and dignity before retiring to focus on raising her children and moving to Spencer.

To those who knew her, Pat as she preferred to be called, was a quiet but steady presence- a woman with a heart full of love, a sharp wit and a strength that often spoke louder than words. She could make you laugh unexpectedly, with a dry sense of humor that would catch you off guard and leave you smiling for days.

Pat had a deep love for animals and a soft spot for the unwanted and forgotten. In her younger years, she took in countless strays- cats, dogs, and even farm animals-turning her home into a haven for those in need. That same generosity extended to the people in her life; she was always giving of her time, her belongings, her care-never thinking twice about putting others first.

Her greatest legacy is the kindness, compassion and strength she instilled in her children and grandchildren-many of whom followed her example and entered professions centered around helping others. In her final chapter, it was those same loved ones who cared for her with the same selflessness she had shown them, especially her daughter Lois and granddaughter Mycala, who were by her side through every challenge.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to VNA Hospice for their support and guidance- especially Kelli Wallace, whose compassion made all the difference.

A celebration of Pat’s life will be held in August. Pat- in keeping with her passion for education, has donated her body to UMass Memorial Med School, to help others learn. Burial at Worcester County memorial Park in Paxton will be private.

She will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered for her quiet strength, her generous heart and the laughter she brought to those lucky enough to know her.

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