Patricia R. Ribolini

MIDDLESEX - Patricia Rita (Renaud) Elwert Ribolini, of Middlesex, went to be with The Lord on March 3, 2016. She passed away in the comfort of her home, surrounded by the mountains and her devoted family a year after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Born in Hardwick, Vermont, on Oct. 13, 1949, Patty was the youngest of 15 children of Rosaire and Alice Renaud. She grew up on the family farm surrounded by siblings, music, and her proud French Canadian family.
Patty attended school in Hardwick, and then in Burlington at Mount St. Mary's. She was a 1971 graduate of UVM.
On June 24, 1972, Patty married Philip Elwert. They made their home in Montpelier and together had three children. While a stay-at-home mom, she earned her master's degree from UVM, after which she worked for years as a speech and language pathologist in the Montpelier school district.
When Philip died suddenly on Dec. 6, 1988, Patty drew on her faith and carried on with grace, resolve and a wonderful sense of humor.
It was serendipitous when she connected with Stephen Ribolini, also a widower, and they formed a deep friendship. They were married June 20, 1992, joining together an affectionate, tight-knit and adventurous family.
In 2000 she started Morningstar Property Management, which evolved into a family business and a true labor of love.
Patty was passionate about traveling and visited nearly every state, including Alaska and Hawaii. She travelled extensively in Europe, the Caribbean and even as far as Africa, where she volunteered at a school in Ghana.
Patty and Steve were best friends and traveled together often, their latest voyage a cruise along the Danube River. Patty loved summers at Joe's Pond and spending time with family. Her grandchildren were the apples of her eye. She left this life with absolutely no regrets and will be remembered as a beautiful person devoted to God, family and community.
Patty is survived by her husband, Stephen, of Middlesex, her daughter Catherine (Brandon) Klarich, of Marshfield, her son Carl (Rachel Sterling) Elwert, of Barre, and son John Elwert, of Montpelier; also stepchildren Andrew (Martha) Ribolini, of Montpelier, and Angela Ribolini (Tim Pratt), of Berlin; and her seven grandchildren: Jaden Shand, Ruby, Ginger, and Judah Klarich, Morgan Ribolini, and Charlie and Elizabeth Elwert.
Also surviving are siblings Laurette Perron, of Greensboro Bend, Vermont, Cecile Gutchell, of Saratoga Springs, New York, Roland Renaud, of Hardwick, Vermont, Gemma Cummings, of Turners Falls, Massachusetts, Arthur Renaud, of Georgia, Vermont, Madeleine Renaud, of Turners Falls, Bernadette Oulton, of Wallingford, Connecticut, Michel Renaud, of Winooski, Vermont, Rachel Wurtsbaugh, of Williston, Vermont, Rosaire Renaud, of Hardwick, Denise Renaud, of Turners Falls, and Alice Smith, of Addison, Illinois; and many, many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is predeceased by a sister, Monique Martin, and a brother, Leon Renaud.
The family is incredibly grateful for the at-home care and support shown by the skilled nursing staff of CVHHH, and to Patty's sisters Bernie and Dee, who remained by her side, patiently loving and caring for her through her final days.
Calling hours are Sunday, March 6, 4-7 p.m., at Guare and Sons Funeral Home, 30 School St., Montpelier.
Funeral services will be at St. Augustine's Church, 16 Barre St., Monday, March 7, at 11 a.m.
Burial will follow at the Green Mount Cemetery.
Donations in memory of Patricia Ribolini can be made to: HERA Women's Cancer Foundation, HeraFoundation.org.
Online condolences can be sent to www.guareandsons.com.