Lucille "Luci" Gilberg

Lucille “Luci” Simone (Berard) Gilberg passed from this life on Wednesday morning December 9th, 2020 after a brief illness. Her final hours were spent surrounded by her beloved husband and children. She is survived by her husband of 47 years John “Gil” C. Gilberg, Jr. of Worcester, her children, Jude Holland of Worcester, Diane L. Holland of Worcester, and Patrick B. Holland and his wife Lynda Holland of Shrewsbury, her stepchildren, Erica Marie Burns and husband Chris Burns, of Taunton, John “Jay” C. Gilberg, II and his wife Shanna Gilberg of Millbury, and her grandchildren, Christian and Shannon, Patrick Jr, Ryan and Chloe, Evan, Eloise and Oliver. Luci also leaves her sister, Joan Wackell of Millbury, and a sprawling extended family with many special relationships among her nieces and nephews.

Luci was born and raised in the "Grafton Hill" area of Worcester, the youngest daughter of Andrew and Agnes Berard, with sisters, Bea Rustman, Doris Dufresne, Eva Cundall and brother, George Berard having passed on before her. She was also pre-deceased by former husband R. Peter Holland.

Luci had a true passion for her family and made family a priority throughout her life. John and Luci's home was a most frequent destination for family holidays, special events, weekend's by the pool or even an afternoon nap with Mémère. She was ever present at annual Berard family gatherings and drew great joy from the close knit nature of these events. Her strong bond for her family motivated her and she was fortunate to have had a brother, a sister and a son as next door neighbors for most of the past few decades.

Countless friends know Luci from her many years in the restaurant industry. She was a waitress and a longtime hostess, notably at JT's Steakhouse and the El Morocco restaurant in Worcester. Ultimately she achieved a dream and became a co-owner of "Chances Are" restaurant in Northborough, spending many years as a cherished friend of employees and patrons alike.

Luci was a remarkable woman, full of spunk and life, with a rich sense of humor she was a lover of laughter and fun. She was a prodigious shopper getting enjoyment from an afternoon at Nordstroms or simply an Amazon delivery. From all those in her family and circle of friends to those who were brief acquaintances, everyone has a story about Luci that is full of mirth, mischief, laughter and love. We have so many memories of our Wife, Sister, Aunt, friend, Mom and Mémère that will forever bring smiles to our faces and warmth to our hearts (and even make a few of us pee our pants!) Even through her final weeks she was still making the sly joke that immediately befriended a nurse or the flirty comment that made a doctor do a double take. She was Luci to the very end.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions and in the interest of health and safety, services will be held privately. It is intended that a "Celebration of Life" will be held at an appropriate future date. 

It is requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Luci's honor, to Abby's House, 52 High Street, Worcester, MA 01609.

There is an online register for messages and condolences. If you would like to be contacted in the future for the “Celebration of Life”, please leave your e-mail address in the text of your message.  This register can be found at www.mercadantefuneral.com