Patricia A. Colburn

Patricia Ann Walls Lachapelle Colburn, 94, passed away peacefully December 15 at Christopher House, Worcester.

She was born in 1930 in the Bronx, New York. She attended high school there and worked in the banking and jewelry industries.  She also volunteered as an English as a Second Language instructor, as a food bank organizer, as a jewelry seller at the Sturbridge Senior Center, as a board member of the Sturbridge Retirement Cooperative and as a Meals-on-Wheels deliverer.

 “Patsy” was devoted to her family, supporting them through difficult times and celebrating their successes. She was a keen gardener and loved flowers, especially zinnias and roses, and animals of all kinds. She had a beautiful smile, a great laugh, and a wicked sense of humor.

She is survived by her children, John P. Anderson and his partner, Ghita, of Brooklyn, New York, and Guilford, Connecticut,  Michael Anderson and his wife, Robin, of  Lindenhurst, New York, Gail Dempsey and her husband, Jim, of Worcester, Massachusetts, Christian Anderson of Washington D.C., Joanne Gaumond and her husband, Robert, of Southbridge, Massachusetts; and by her grandchildren, Sarah, Jon, Jessica, Sara and Geoffrey Dempsey, Sean Anderson, Samantha Anderson and Gavin Leighton, Kellye and Eric Batewell, Maureen Anderson, Sophie Wechsler,  Pete Ginda, and Amy and Michael Neal; and by her great-grandchildren, Madeleine and Maximus Corriveau, Claire Dempsey, Molly and Ryan Batewell, and Adelyn and Eloise Neal; and by beloved nieces and nephews on the West Coast.

The family would like to thank the caring staff at both Christopher Heights and Christopher House who worked so hard to make Pat’s stay enjoyable and comfortable. 

A memorial service will be held in in the spring.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden Street, Worcester, MA, 01606.