SOUTHBRIDGE – Dorothy J. (Bacovin) Belec, 87, of Charlton Street, died Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at Radius after an illness. Her husband of 43 years, Gerard O. “Gerry” Belec, died in 1990.
She leaves a daughter, Jo Ann D. Austin and her husband Robert of Otis, MA; two sons, Michael G. Belec of MA and Joseph G. Belec of VA; three grandchildren, A.J. Austin and her spouse Zak Hubbard of Redwood City, CA, Jennifer Belec of VA and Jason Belec of MA; and several great-grandchildren.
She was born and raised in Dudley, the daughter of Michael J. and Josephine L. (Kedzior) Bacovin, and lived there until moving to Southbridge in 1987. She graduated from Bartlett High School in Webster in 1943. She was a member of the school chorus and of the American Red Cross Auxiliary at Bartlett during World War II.
Mrs. Belec first ran a daycare in her home and then worked in the cafeteria in Dudley Elementary School for fifteen years. She retired in 1987 to care for her first grandchild. She then was a personal care assistant with Norfolk Home Care Services for ten years.
She was a member of Saint Hedwig’s Church of Blessed John Paul II Parish. She was active in both the Southbridge Senior Center and the Sturbridge Senior Center. She sang soprano with the Golden Harmonizers for many years. She volunteered at the Webster-Dudley Food Share for twenty years. She also prepared food for Tri-Valley Elder Care Services’ “Meals-On-Wheels” program.
A memorial Mass will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial is private. There are no calling hours. Donations may be made to either Webster-Dudley Food Share, Inc., c/o United Church of Christ, Federated, 4 Church St., Webster, MA 01570 or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, 340 School St.,Webster.