Worcester: Florence G. (Melanson) Gaudette, 100 years old, passed away at Dodge Park Rest Home on October 29, 2015. Her husband of 55 years, Rodolphe J. Gaudette, Sr. predeceased her in 1995. She leaves four daughters: Theresa Dowd of Holden, Jean DeIeso and Anne Gaudette of Worcester, and Mary Ellen Buccellato of Florida, a son, Ernest Gaudette of Worcester; eight grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; a sister, Irene Leticeq and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a son Rodolphe Gaudette, Jr. a grandson Richard Donnelly, Jr., four brothers: Emile, Edmond, Joseph, and Leo Melanson, and two sisters: Mary Dufault and Theresa Dufault.
Florence was born in Leominster, daughter of the late Joseph and Josephine (Girouard) Melanson. She moved to Worcester in 1940 where she met her husband and where they lived and raised their children.
Florence was a member of St. Joan of Arc Church where she volunteered on many activities. She was a long-time line dance instructor, and for many years ran afternoon dances at Adams Square Congregational Church. When she lived at Lincoln Village, Florence and Rudy formed a club of line dancers known as the Silver Liners, and in addition to dancing, organized fashion shows, food drives, clothing drives, organ donor drives, and solicited donations for victims of Hurricane Andrew. Wherever Florence went, she brought music, laughter and fun. She loved to organized bus trips, brown bag lunches, sing-a-longs and all things fun. She was a strong believer in having a positive attitude and keeping mind and body active.
In the 1990’s Florence was very active in the establishment of the Worcester Senior Center. In 1999 she received the prestigious Senior Volunteer of the Year Award from the City of Worcester in acknowledgement of all of her good works. On the occasion of her 95th birthday, she received a Key to the City of Worcester from the Mayor.
In 2008, she moved to Dodge Park Rest Home, where she continued to bring fun, laughter and music to her fellow residents and the staff. She had a deep faith in her God, and never failed to comment on how lucky she was and how blessed to have such a wonderful life. She was a true inspiration to all who knew her.
The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to the staff at Dodge Park for excellent care and their many kindnesses shown to Florence over the years.
A brief gathering of family will take place at Nordgren Memorial Chapel before a funeral Mass, celebrated at St. Joan of Arc, 570 Lincoln St. at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 2, 2015. Private burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery. Nordgren Memorial Chapel is directing arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pernet Family Health Services, 237 Millbury Street, Worcester MA 01610 or the Veterans, Inc. 69 Grove Street, Worcester.
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