Patricia Tardif

Patricia (Donnelly) Tardif, 89, of Somers, formerly of Ellington, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2025. Born in Providence, RI, on October 10, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Dr. John and Gertrude Madonna (Harlow) Donnelly. Patricia married her beloved husband, Louis Philip Robert ("Bob") Tardif, in 1960, and together they moved to Ellington in 1962, where they raised their family and became deeply rooted in the community.

Patricia worked for a time as a secretary, but her greatest joy came from being a devoted wife and stay-at-home mother. A faithful communicant of St. Luke Church in Ellington, she lived her life with a quiet strength, a generous heart, and a positive, sunny disposition that endeared her to all who knew her.

Deeply committed to service, Patricia was a founder and officer of the Ellington Junior Women's Club, an officer in the Ellington Women's Club, and the organizer of the Ellington Red Hat Society. She also served in the Ellington Historical Society and on the Ellington Bicentennial Commission and was a proud Girl Scout leader, sharing her time, talents, and enthusiasm with others.

Patricia was active all her life and had a wonderful sense of adventure. She loved waterskiing, snow skiing, and playing tennis, enjoyed years of bowling alongside her husband, and, as she aged, found joy in golfing. She and Bob traveled extensively throughout Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, and Ireland, creating memories that lasted a lifetime. In her later years, she was always excited to go on Elderhostel trips throughout the country. She was also an active member of the Ellington Senior Center.

Patricia is survived by her daughters, Katherine Tardif (Scott), and Frances DeMont (John); her sisters, Elizabeth Charland and Joan Butler; her grandchildren, Diana Potwardowski (Anthony), and Steven DeMont; and her cherished great-granddaughters, Amelia and Lucy. She also leaves her beloved companion of several years, Joseph Ouellette, Sr., along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. She was predeceased by her husband, Louis ("Bob") Tardif, in 2007, her son, Robert Tardif, in 1992 and her brother, John Donnelly, Jr.

Relatives and friends may join the family on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 from 3-5 pm at Somers Funeral Home, 354 Main St, Somers. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 am on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at St. Luke Church, 141 Maple St, Ellington. (Please meet directly at church.)

Patricia enthusiastically served many years organizing food collections through the Ellington Women's Club for local pantries. The family urges you to continue her good work by donating to a local pantry in her memory.