Theresa Mae Garceau

Theresa Mae (Gagne) Garceau, 91, of Worcester, passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2015, at Memorial Hospital. Her husband, George Garceau, predeceased her in July 1990. Theresa is survived by her loving family, including two sons, Paul Garceau and Gary Garceau; three daughters, Carol Rawlston and her husband Daniel, Linda Williston and her husband Stephen, and Elaine Roach and her husband John, all of Worcester; a step-daughter, Patsy Haines of Shrewsbury; twenty grandchildren; twenty-five great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild; many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a son, Alan Garceau and by a step-daughter, Joyce Dube. She was born in Newport, Vermont and was the last surviving of twenty-four children, born to the late, Ludge and Louise (Frappier) Gagne. She grew up in Vermont, moving to Worcester as a young lady, where she would raise her family. She and her husband, George enjoyed many years of "wintering" in Florida; and after his death, she moved there on a full time basis, before returning here in 2005. Theresa knew the love that was in a large family, and it was that love she shared not only with her children, but with over 150 foster children. She was so full of love and determination, that when she was diagnosed twice with breast cancer, she fought valiantly and won. She worked for many years, as an assembler for G.E. Telecron, before retiring. She was a member of Saint Joan of Arc Parish. She enjoyed playing BINGO, and making donations to Indian Reservations in Connecticut. She loved the beach and visiting Cape Cod and Florida. Calling Hours for Theresa will be held on Friday, March 6, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m., followed by a Funeral Service at 6 p.m., in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. Interment at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton will be held privately at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Susan G. Komen, Breast Cancer Foundation, at www.komen.org, or to your favorite charity.