Gayle F Dalbec

Gayle F. (Fields) Dalbec, 93 of Auburn, a devoted wife, mother, grand, great and great great grandmother passed away peacefully Saturday, October 19, 2019 surrounded by loved ones.  

Gayle was born in Gardner, the daughter of George and Harriet (Wilder) Fields.  Raised in Gardner, Gayle moved to Worcester in 1942, where she met and in 1944 married Joseph ‘Edgar” Dalbec.  Together they established their home to raise their family on Canterbury St. in the French section of Worcester, later moving to Auburn in 1992. For the next 67 years they lived a life of family, love, faith and devotion until 2011 when Edgar passed away.  She continued to be the matriarch of the Dalbec family until she passed.  

Gayle worked for 10 years for the Diocese of Worcester at Catholic Charities as a home health aide.

Gayle is survived by her devoted family who cherished her and cared for her over the years, Dennis E. Dalbec and his wife Donna of Holden, Diane M. Leufstedt and her companion John Frizzell of West Brookfield, Ronald Dalbec and his wife Nancy of Marlboro, Susan “Gayle” Rennie and her husband James of Marlboro, Janine M. Beckwitch and her husband Barry of Coventry, CT and Ann-Marie Svedberg and her husband Darryl of Auburn; 15 grandchildren, many of whom helped care for her in recent days; 18 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; her goddaughters, Patty and Pamela; brother in law, George Duquette; her best friend and pet “Buddy”; Many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends who loved her.  In addition to her husband Edgar, a son in law, Richard Leufstedt, daughter in law, Jeanne Dalbec ,three brothers, Howard, Merton and Francis and a sister Marion all predeceased her. 

She was a devoted Catholic and longtime member of N. American Martyrs church in Auburn, whose strong faith guided her through all of life’s challenges.  A beautiful simple woman who cherished her family, always put them first, and enjoyed each moment, holiday and special occasion she could be with them.  An amazing seamstress, she enjoyed and created many handmade articles of clothes, embroidering, and needle work.  She enjoyed reading, nature, birds, ceramic owls and interior design.  Notably she loved interior design and could redesign her home on a whim.

Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours Wednesday, October 23rd from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St  Her funeral will be celebrated Thursday, October 24th from the funeral home with a procession to N. American Martyrs Church, 8 Wyoma Drive, Auburn where her celebration of Christian burial mass will be held at 11:00 am.  Entombment next to her beloved Edgar will follow in Notre Dame Mausoleum.  In lieu of flower memorial contributions may be made to the Auburn VNA Hospice, 191 Pakacoag Rd. Auburn.

The Dalbec family would like to thank, Dr Dennis Murphy and his staff for the care, comfort and compassion over the years.  They would also like to thank her caregivers, Sandy and Kathy.