Susan Patch

Susan Patch

Bernardston, MA - Susan M. Patch (1943-2025) 82, of Bernardston, died Friday June 27 at Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield, peacefully surrounded by her loving family as she listened to their reminiscing, their tears and their laughter.

Sue was born on March 1, 1943 to the late Alphonse S. and Antoinette M. (Boucher) Cote in Springfield, MA where she grew up and attended school. Sue lovingly remembered playing baseball with all the boys and always being better than them! Even at 82, Sue would always volunteer to 'sub-in' any time their was a shortage of players on the field!

Sue married her first husband, the late James E. Lake, SR in April of 1960 and together they raised their 3 children. The family moved to Bernardston, MA in 1976 when Jim took the Police Chief's job and Sue found work at Mohawk Plastics (where she worked until it burned down). But Sue's true calling was caring for elders and Hospice patients in their homes, through Comprehensive Home Care, which she did for many, many years. Her love and compassion was always second to none.

When Jim passed away in 1990, Sue once again found true love and married the late George J. Butterfield of Guilford, VT. After marrying, Sue and George remained in Bernardston for a few years and then moved back to Guilford, where he built Sue a new home. They had 21 years together with their blended families, always laughing and loving life together, even when Sue had him 'on the edge'!!

After losing George, Sue lived on her own for a short period of time in Northfield. Sue was always the 'fun' Meme and always made time for her family. Even into her 70's she could be seen running on the beach at the Cape, or playing football on the lawn on Thanksgiving!

Sue then did what so few other people have been able to do, she found love once again! She married Lowell (Butch) Patch and shared 11 years together before his passing last August. After his passing, Sue then moved in to her daughter and son in laws home in Bernardston, where she remained until her passing.

Sue was the last remaining sibling in her large family, losing her brothers Raymond Cote, Charles "Bill" Cote, Michael Carmen and sisters Barbara Fynn and most recently, on December 31 of 2024, her sister Claire Pisarcik. The loss of her sisters devastated her.

This past year had been extremely difficult for Sue. Between the losses of Butch and Claire, she also fell and broke her hip just after Christmas. Against all odds, and doctor recommendations, Sue came home to recover. With the loving help of her Shedd family, Sue made her recovery and was able to spend this past year making beautiful memories. Her recovery at home would not have been possible without the love and care of her daughter Linda, granddaughter Debbie and her cousin, Sally Murdock.

Sue's inner strength was amazing and despite her losses, she continued to make unforgettable memories with her family. Sue was able to witness her granddaughter Julieanne marry the love of her life, Matt, in Nebraska in November and even made it to Disney one last time in April, to share in her great granddaughter Audrey's first trip there! Sue even went on the rides!

Though her passing seemed very sudden, Sue was still going to softball games to watch her daughter and granddaughter play, going to the lake for picnics, sitting by the fire on her private deck and of course, going to the casino as often as possible! Her dear friends, Dale Whitney and her husband Jay, cousins Sally and Theresa and of course, her daughter Linda, were huge enablers to her gambling habit!

Sue leaves behind an amazing legacy of love for her family as well as many broken hearts who will always be grateful for the time spent on earth with us. She also leaves behind her oldest son James E. Lake, JR and daughter-in-law Louisa, grandson Christopher and great-granddaughter Alyssa, her son John E. Lake and daughter-in-law Doris and grandchildren John Lake Jr and his wife Sara and great-grandsons John III, Jasper and James, granddaughter Jennie and fiancé Daekwon, granddaughter Julieanne and husband Matt and soon-to be great-granddaughter, her daughter Linda and "favorite" son-in-law Robert "Dub" Shedd, granddaughter Debra-Lynn, great-granddaughter Audrey, and grandson Robert AJ and Wifey Harmony.

Sue also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family that she loved deeply, made amazing memories with and never forgot.

Donations can be made in Sue's memory to Northfield EMS, 41 Main St., Northfield, Mass 01360, Bernardston Fire Dept., P.O. Box 504, Bernardston, Mass 01337 or at your own risk, any casino of your choosing!!

A celebration of Susan's life is planned for July 18th at her home in Bernardston following her services at Kidder Funeral Home. All are welcome to join us.

Services will be Friday ( 7/18/2025 ) at 11:00 A.M. at the Kidder Funeral Home, 1 Parker Ave, Northfield, Mass. The Rev. Paul Bombardier will officiate.

There will be a calling hour from 10:00 A.M. till the time of the service on Friday ( 7/18/2025 ) at the funeral home.

Kidder Funeral Home , 1 Parker Ave, Northfield, Mass is assisting the family with arrangements.