Obituary of Rachel Puchalski

Dudley- Rachel D. O'Coin Puchalski, affectionately known as Mém to her family, passed away quietly with her loving sons by her side on Tuesday afternoon July 1,2014. Born on St. Patrick's Day in 1917 to Edmund J. O'Coin and Alma Marie (Langlois) O'Coin in Marlborough, MA she was a dedicated mother and wife who believed in helping others and caring for her family. Despite never having the chance to complete high school, she relished learning. Quilting, knitting, crocheting, baking and reading were all areas where she excelled and found joy. She never shied away from hard work having been employed as a factory worker at both Brown Shoe in Worcester, MA and Klevin Factory in Spencer, MA while also working by her husband's side on their farm. For as long as her mental and physical health allowed, she volunteered at the Webster Public Library working the front desk and regularly assisting with voter registration. Rachel's laughter was contagious—her willingness to laugh at herself and finding joy in her family were two of her greatest assets. She joins her long-departed husband Joseph G. Puchalski; sons Joseph Jr. and Ronald; sisters Gertrude, Lucille, and Janelle; and daughter-in-law Thelma in her peaceful passing. Her spirit lives on in her surviving family: sons Robert and Vincent, beloved daughter-in-laws JoAnn, Tuyet and Cindy, eleven grandchildren and twenty-two great-grandchildren. Rachel's legacy of loving, laughing and learning continues in them. The family wishes to thank the Alzheimer's unit staff at The Overlook at the Masonic Home in Charlton, MA and the Hospice Care Group for their commitment to her care and the dignity with which they treated her in her twilight years. A funeral mass will be celebrated Thursday July 3rd at 10 AM in her parish church St. Andrew Bobola in Dudley . She will be laid to rest at Pine Grove cemetery in West Brookfield . There are no calling hours . In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to The Overlook Masonic Home 88 Masonic Home Rd. PO box 1000 Charlton Ma. 01507. Bartel Funeral Home & Chapel 33 Schofield Ave. Dudley, Ma is assisting the family with arrangements . www.bartelfuneralhome.com