Obituary of Patricia M. DiDonato

Dudley-Patricia "Pat" DiDonato, age 59, passed away at her home surrounded by family on April 21, 2013, after her courageous battle with cancer. She leaves behind her loving husband of 36 years, Anthony DiDonato Jr., her 4 children who were her absolute pride and joy, daughter Ashley DiDonato of Dudley, sons, Anthony DiDonato III and wife Meaghan of Auburn, Joseph DiDonato of Boston, Shane DiDonato and wife Rachel of Dudley, her mother Viola Norris of Worcester, her 2 sisters, Viola Bernard and husband Paul of Leicester, Alexandra Norris of Worcester, her 2 grandchildren, who warmed her heart and made her eyes sparkle, Sofia and Anthony of Auburn, and her many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father, Charles Norris of Worcester. Pat was born in Worcester and graduated from St. Peter High School, class of 1971. She moved to Dudley in 1975 while working for Aetna Medicare. She worked for many years in the Dudley-Charlton Regional School System, having worked the last 12 years as a Special Education teachers' aid at Charlton Middle School. She stopped working in February of 2013 due to her illness. Pat was a communicant of St. Anthony of Padua church in Dudley. Pat had a zest for life and met each day with courage and conviction. Her smile, wit, and laughter were contagious. She loved watching the Patriots and Red Sox with her family. She enjoyed making her house a warm and friendly home, working in her yard, going for outdoor walks with family and friends, ice skating on the pond, cooking, knitting, sewing, reading, the ocean, but her greatest joy of all was any time spent with her family. Pat was a loving and caring wife, mother, and grandmother. Her high energy level was always evident. Pat also had a special place in her heart for her friends and her co-workers, and she cherished all of her "eighth graders". Our family would like to express our thanks to the following for the wonderful and caring service given to Pat during her battle: Dr. O'Shea, Michelle, and the whole staff at Commonwealth Hematoma and Oncology, the staff at St. Vincent Hospital Worcester, and the staff of Metro West Hospice. Her funeral will be held Thursday April 25 from the Bartel Funeral Home & Chapel 33 Schofield Ave.Dudley with a Mass at 10 AM in St. Anthony of Padua Church 24 Dudley Hill Rd. Interment will be at a later date. Calling hours at the funeral home are Wednesday April 24 from 2 to4 & 6 to 8 PM.www.bartelfuneralhome.com