Patricia V. (Valentine) Lemaire, 91, of Dartmouth, formerly of New Bedford passed away peacefully on Monday December 10, 2012 at St. Luke's Hospital after a brief period of declining health. She was surrounded by her five daughters and their loving families singing Christmas Carols and giving testimony to the wonderful ideals that she inspired in each of them. She was the wife of the late Roland A. Lemaire.
Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Thomas A. and Mary Isabel (Harrison) Valentine, she lived in New Bedford for most of her life.
Mrs. Lemaire was formerly employed at the Star Store, Revere Copper and Brass, and the Mass. Division of Employment Security.
During World War II, she served in the U.S. Navy in Washington, D.C. She was a member and Past Commander of the American Legion Post 385. She was a graduate of New Bedford Vocational High School. She enjoyed all family functions and shopping with her daughters and grandchildren, and especially enjoyed doing her crossword puzzles and Jumbles everyday.
Her family would like to thank the wonderful compassionate caregivers at St. Luke's Hospital, especially in PCU and CCU and to Dr. Bier, Dr. Fogg, and Dr. Pothier who supported her emotionally as well as physically. Without their excellent care, Mom would not have enjoyed her last few wonderful years in good physical health. The family would also like to thank the staff at Emeritus Assisted Living in Dartmouth, and especially to Brenda, Rhonda, Elena, LaShay, and Liz in her Cedar Cottage for the outstanding loving care Mom experienced in her time there. Her family is eternally grateful. She also bettered the lives of her fellow residents with her zest for life, sense of humor, and determination to keep them socially active. She felt God had placed her there to help them in their later years of life as well.
An inspiration to all who encountered this beautiful woman throughout her 91 years of life, her legacy will live on in her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as anyone whose lives she so richly touched.
She is survived by her five daughters, Robin Amaral and husband Ed of New Bedford, Pat Santos of Lakeville, Jeanne Couto and husband Bill of Acushnet, Paula Rapoza and husband Ernie of Fairhaven, and Kathy Laplante and husband David of Acushnet. She was affectionately known as "Nana" to her thirteen grandchildren, Eddie, Bryan, Laurie, Kate, Tim, Cassie, Dylan, Tracie, Ally, Travis, Ivy, Phoebe, and Isaac, and as "Nana Pat" to her six great-grandchildren, Evan, Alanna, Adrian, Marshall, Andrew, and Aubrey. She also leaves many beloved nieces and nephews.
She was the mother of the late infant, Gerard Anthony Lemaire, and sister of the late Mary P. Walsh, Rita Tripp, and Isabel Doherty.
Her Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 10 AM at St. Francis Xavier Church, Acushnet. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Visiting hours are omitted. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to St. Jude's Childrens Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000 Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.