Patricia Comeau

 

The Good Lord called Patricia Rose (Gajewski) Comeau home on the peaceful autumn evening of October 15th, 2023.

Pat maintained her faith, fire, and love for sharing memories throughout her final days and had her devoted daughter by her side as she passed.

Born on December 27, 1946, Pat looked fondly back on her childhood in the lakeside town of Port Henry, NY. She shared stories of simpler times, spending her days playing outside, visiting family in Chelsea, MA, and celebrating holidays with loved ones, Polish food, and jaunty accordion music.

Pat attended nursing school in Chazy, NY, during which time she met the love of her life, Bob, on a blind date. Pat loved music and remembered “Unchained Melody” by the Righteous Brothers as one of the first songs they danced to together. They shared 54 blessed years of marriage before Bob’s passing in 2021.

Bob and Pat spent most of their married life in Georgia, VT, where they built a community and raised their daughter, Kimberly Anne. In their final years, they moved to the Haydenberry apartments in Milton where they enjoyed making even more connections with several caring neighbors.

Pat wore many different hats throughout her life: licensed nursing assistant, dental assistant, machine operator at IBM, as well as daughter, sister, grandchild, aunt, great-aunt, niece, mother, grandmother (“Memee”), great-grandmother (“Gigi”), friend, neighbor, and kind stranger.

Whether she was working, at home, at church, or in the community, Pat found a way to make special connections with those lucky enough to cross her path. She always made the effort to remember small details about the people she encountered and knew exactly how to make someone feel special.

Pat was also a proud kidney transplant survivor of over 31 years. She affectionately called her anonymous donor “Harry” and never took this beautiful gift for granted. Through this experience, she truly learned to embody one of her father’s favorite quotes and one she would later pass on to her granddaughter: Carpe Diem (seize the day).

Pat is survived by her loving daughter, Kimberly (Comeau) Parah, as well as her husband Greggory Parah. Pat also leaves behind her siblings and their spouses: Mary and Marvin Fountain, Jeanette and Peter Riccadone, Joanne and Homer Lapier, Bill and Karen Gajewski, Joe and Robin Gajewski, Becky and Peter Gilbo, and Sandy and Shawn Ryan.

In addition, Pat leaves behind her sister-in-law Kathy Therriault and her husband Henry Therriault. Pat is also survived by her chosen sister and lifelong friend Charlotte Francis, as well as many special nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors.

Pat cherished her role as “Memee” to Katelyn (Parah) McMahon and Cody Parah and was always creative in finding ways to connect with them. She shared quotes and recipes with Katelyn along with helping her earn hours toward her drivers license. Pat became an avid professional sports viewer so she could talk to Cody about the games, and she learned how to text so she could coordinate picking both grandkids up from different sports practices. She will be missed by them as well as their spouses, Johnny McMahon and Lizzy Parah. Pat also loved being “Gigi” to Boen and Graham, making them laugh with her songs and games.

Pat is now reunited with her parents, Alexander and Josephine Gajewski, along with her husband John Robert “Bob” Comeau and several of his family members.

Our family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to both the oncology staff and hospice staff through UVM Medical Center for their impeccable care and support throughout the last several months.

A Catholic Mass will be held on Friday, October 27th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ann’s Parish in Milton, VT with a burial to follow. A celebration of life is planned for next fall around Bob and Pat’s wedding anniversary so we can properly honor them and their life together.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you send donations to the McLure Miller Respite House, where Pat spent her final moments and received tender care and attention. Donations can be made online at UVMHomeHealth.org or by calling (802) 860-4499, ext. 3812. Donations can also be mailed to: McLure Miller Respite House c/o UVM Health Network - Home Health and Hospice, 1110 Prim Road, Colchester, VT 05446.

You can also honor Pat by sending a card to someone you love just because, donating blood or becoming an organ donor, saying a prayer, learning something new, or doing a random act of kindness for a stranger.

To our dear Pat/Patty, Mom, Memee, and Gigi, know that you have touched our hearts in a way that can’t be reduced into these simple words. You’re everything we described here and so much more: you’re the connection shared between kindred spirits, the swell of music in a church choir, a fleeting sunset or falling leaf captured in a perfectly timed photo. You were a living, breathing miracle that inspired us with your faith and belief in the Lord’s divine plan.

Your presence will live on in the true stories we’ll continue to share and the new memories we’ll make while wishing you were here. And, we know that you’ll always make yourself known by giving us a heart where we least expect it. We love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.