Donate in Memory of Joanne T. Paquette

Obituary: Joanne T. Paquette

Published in Worcester Telegram & Gazette, March 9, 2013

WORCESTER – Joanne T. (Lacerte) Paquette, 65, died Saturday March 9, 2013 in her home after a courageous battle with ALS.

She leaves her husband of 35 years, Louis R. Paquette, two daughters, Rachel P. Slone and her husband Justin of Seattle, Wash., and Laura E. Paquette of Jacksonville, Fla., a granddaughter April Slone of Seattle, a sister Deborah Pelletier and her husband Michael of Worcester, brother Wayne Lacerte of Edmond, Okla., and two nephews, Adam P. Pelletier of Worcester, and Nicholas Pelletier and his wife Karen of Worcester. She also leaves an aunt and many cousins in the Worcester area.

Joanne was born in Worcester, daughter of Adrian P. and Theresa (Berieau) Lacerte. She graduated from the former Ascension High School, and earned bachelor and master degrees in education at Worcester State College, now Worcester State University.

Before having children, Joanne taught for nine years in the Worcester Public Schools. She then left Worcester and settled in Port St. Lucie, Fla. In Florida, she resumed her career in education participating in early childhood and English as a second language programs. She was affiliated with Indian River Community College in Fort Pierce, where she also did some counseling and grant writing. She returned to Worcester in 2007 and tutored English as a second language in Worcester elementary schools.

Joanne was also a successful Realtor for many years with the Coldwell Banker Real Estate office in Port St. Lucie.

Joanne loved birds and the great outdoors. She enjoyed traveling, reading and cooking. She was an enthusiastic hostess, and always welcomed relatives and friends alike. And, she mastered every form of communication to keep in touch with her ever growing circle of friends, who will all greatly miss her.

Calling hours will be Thursday, March 14 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The funeral Mass will be Friday, March 15 at 10 a.m. in Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant St., Worcester. Burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Compassionate Care ALS, P.O. Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574.