Louise J. (Paldino) Riopel

 Louise J. (Paldino) Riopel, 86 of Worcester, a devoted mother, grandmother and sister, passed away peacefully with her family gathered at her side Wednesday December 21, 2016.   Louise was born June 5, 1930 in Worcester, the first daughter of Pasquale and Mary (Generelli) Paldino.  She grew up in the Holmes field neighborhood of Worcester on Plantation St, graduated from Commerce High School and worked as the office manager for the family business, Paldino Brothers Company Inc., before retiring.   Louise previously worked for a time at the United Public Market.  In 1953, in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Louise married Richard A. Riopel, the love of her life.  They then began their 38 year marriage of love and devotion raising their family in the house her father built in the “Paldino family compound” until 1991 when Richard passed away.  Louise continued to live in her home, greeting guests and friends, entertaining by her pool, and laughing alongside her growing family. A lover of sunshine and warmth, Louise was fortunate enough to spend winters in Lighthouse Point, Florida where she would gather with her friends and family for walks on Deerfield Beach, bingo and putting, shopping, and card games.  She loved having her large family at her condominium so she could cook for and entertain them. Louise is survived by her two devoted children, her daughter and best friend, Nancy Iaccarino with whom she lived and who never left her side and her son, William Riopel, who she affectionately called 'her Billy' of Lighthouse Point, Florida; her four grandchildren who lovingly called her “Gram,” Steven, Lisa, Jonathan and his wife Alexis, and Adam Iaccarino. Louise is also survived by her five siblings, Dorothy Lizotte, Anthony Paldino and his wife Vincenza, Donald Paldino and his wife Rose, Bernadette Genatossio and her husband Carlo, and Carol-Ann Tessier and her husband Michael; her three sisters in law, Carmella Paldino, Caroline Paldino and Claire Merchant;  many nieces, nephews, extended family members and lifelong friends.   Besides her husband, Louise joins in heaven her parents, brothers Samuel and Peter and brother in law, Roger.   Louise was a member of Our Lady of Loreto Church, the Beato Angelo de Arci Society and the former Pope John Counsel Knights of Columbus ladies Auxiliary.   Louise loved to bowl, sew, crochet, cook and bake.  She enjoyed playing cards and watching game shows, a passion she passed on to her grandchildren. She was an avid sports fan, particularly of the Red Sox, moved to tears when they finally won the World Series in 2004.  Her family was lucky to take her back to Fenway Park for the first time in over forty years in July of 2013, where she cheered her team to a win.  A talented cook, everybody who entered her home never left hungry or without having something to eat.  She was the rock of her family, guided by faith and determination. Her family always came first and she boasted with pride at their accomplishments. She was greatly loved and will be greatly missed. The family would like to especially thank Summit Elder Care; The Lutheran Rehab and Skilled Care Center, especially the nurses and CNAs on the third floor; Cecilia Mensah; and Perla Herrera. They are greatly thankful for the compassion, care, and kindness they gave to Louise over the past few years. Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours Monday, December 26th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.  Her funeral will be held Tuesday, December 27th from the funeral home with a procession to Our Lady of Loreto Church, 37 Massasoit Rd where her celebration of life Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am.  Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery.    In lieu of flowers, and to honor Louise's love of cooking and pride in the city of Worcester, the family requests that donations be made to St. John's Food for the Poor Program, 44 Temple Street, Worcester.