Doris "May" Vescera

Doris “May” Vescera, 92 of Worcester, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 20th, 2026 at Rose Monahan Hospice Home surrounded by her family.

Born in Laconia, NH, May was a daughter to the late Lorenzo Daigle and Eva (Joncas) Daigle. She is predeceased by her siblings Armand, Ray, Evelyn, Irene and Jean. May resided in Laconia before moving to Worcester during her teenage years. Upon graduating from Commerce High School, she pursued being a seamstress, one of her many talents, with Howie Feinberg Manufacturing. She also worked for many years as a store manager for the Salvation Army.

From her early days into her later years, May was the definition of a “maker”. She spent many years working on her craft of creating all things-from dresses and drapes to decks and dollhouses.She was rarely seen without a pin cushion, tool collection, or her sewing machine nearby. Whether it was making beautiful flower girl and prom dresses, or costumes for her grandchildren, she had a gift for turning "straw into gold.” She loved antiquing and would drive hours to find the perfect pieces to add to her collection, sometimes turning her hobbies into side jobs. She enjoyed the challenge of bringing a good grandfather clock or vintage collectibles back to life. Where there was a will to get something done, there was a May to see it through.As skilled as she was in many areas of life, she was equally talented in the kitchen.A creator of so many delicious memories that brought her family and friends together around her kitchen table. Known for her chicken cutlets, pineapple upside down cake, apple pie, and the family’s signature "soldier cookies”, just to name a few, she showed us that the way to the heart was definitely through the stomach.

Though she was a master of many trades, she was the queen of loving her family deeply and fiercely. She was a proud and devoted “Nana” who helped to shape the lives of her cherished grandchildren, Sean, Lori, Kristina, Angela and Kyle, providing guidance and nurturing support alongside her daughters. She possessed a fiery spirit, spoke her mind freely and carried herself with confidence. She was the epitome of class and bestowed that onto her family, and those lucky enough to know and love her.

Throughout the years, she found joy spending time with her long-time partner and companion, James “Jim” Daly. They shared an appreciation of the simple pleasures in life such as taking rides to get an ice cream or soaking in the sights of the countryside. Up until the very end, Jim and May spent every day enjoying each other’s company.

May is survived and greatly missed by her three children: James Chenard with whom she lived, Jeannie Goyette of Grafton, Lorrie DeCillis and her husband James of Worcester, her loving partner of 50 years, James Daly; her five grandchildren: Sean Goyette and his wife Andrea of Rutland, Lori Neuner and her husband Michael of Milton, Kristina DeCillis of Worcester, Angela Granger and her husband Nicholas of Charlton and Kyle Force of Quincy; eight wonderful great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the care teams of Holy Trinity Rehabilitation Center, Odd Fellows Home and Rose Monahan Hospice Home for their unwavering support.In lieu of flowers, the family asks to consider making a charitable donation in May’s name to The Alzheimer's Foundation 225 N Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601 or Saint Paul Diocesan Jr/Sr High School, 144 Granite Street, Worcester, MA 01604.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 from 11:00am-12:00pm at Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel , 370 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, to share their favorite memories and celebrate May’s beautiful life. A funeral service will follow at 12:00PM in the funeral home. She will then be laid to rest in Notre Dame Cemetery & Mausoleum, 162 Webster Street, Worcester.