Loretta N. Groleau

Loretta N. (Mitchell)(Waskevich) Groleau, 88, a longtime resident of Worcester died peacefully Monday, July 4, 2011 in Knollwood Nursing Center in West Boylston. Her husband, Alphonse J. Groleau died in 2008. Loretta is survived by her two sons, Albin Waskevich and his wife Elinor of Auburn and Daniel Waskevich and his wife Lisa of Worcester; four daughters, Loretta Kuizinas-Carpenter and her husband Donald of Florida, Susan Anderson and her husband Norman of Worcester, Marie Waskevich of Spencer and Denise Adams and her husband Peter of Spencer; 25 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren and a stepson, Dennis Groleau of Franklin. She was predeceased by three brothers, William, John and George Mitchell; a sister, Marie Lavine; and two stepchildren, James Groleau and Wendy Meredith. Loretta was born in Norwood, Massachusetts, daughter of the late Louis and Loretta Mitchell. Loretta was on the Board of Directors of Lincoln Neighborhood Center; a member of Hahnemann Hospital Auxiliary; one of the early founders of the Drum and Bugle Corp. at Great Brook Valley. She worked as a physical therapist Aide for the Quimby Hall at Worcester State Hospital. She received the Stratton Hill Outstanding Service Award. She taught catechism, girl scouts, brownies, sewing, knitting and crafts and she especially enjoyed her Italian cooking, knitting and crocheting. She knitted enough afghans to cover the City of Worcester and was very talented, creative and always had to stay busy. Loretta volunteered and was a well known leader for numerous organizations, for the elderly as well as for children. She loved people and loved the ocean. She was a very giving person and had a heart of gold. More than anything, she loved her children, as they were her "jewels", and was extremely proud of her ever growing family. May she rest in peace. She will be missed so much. Calling hours for Loretta will be held on Thursday, July 7th from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. Her funeral will be held Friday, July 8th at 11 a.m. in Greendale People's Community Church, 25 Francis Street, Worcester, MA . Go directly to church. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Those who wish to remember Loretta by way of a memorial tribute are kindly asked to consider the American Heart Association, 20 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701. To share your thoughts and memories of Loretta, please visit her personal guestbook at: mercadantefuneral.com