Joan Bley

THOMPSON - Joan M. (Lacerte) Bley, 76, of Maple Lane, died Monday, December 13, 2010, at Matulaitis Nursing Home in Putnam. She is survived by two children, Kevin R. Bley of Red Hook, NY, and Darlene M. Boligan of Thompson, CT; four grandchildren, Andrew Bley of North Carolina, Zachary Bley of Somers, CT, Alexander and Nicholas Boligan, both of Thompson, CT; two sisters-in-law, Helen Lacerte of Florida and Claudia Lacerte of Oakham, MA; and several nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by two brothers, Richard Lacerte and Everett Lacerte; and her stepfather, Rene Roy of Quinebaug, CT. She was born in Worcester, the daughter of the late Arthur Lacerte and Beatrice (Boisvert) Roy, and lived in Worcester before moving to Thompson in 1966. She graduated from Commerce High School in Worcester in 1953. Before retiring to care for her grandchildren, Mrs. Bley was a certified home health aide for TLC Nursing and Medical Resources Company. She enjoyed caring for her patients and thought of them as family. Previously, she was a bookkeeper at the former Industrial City Bank (later Mechanics Bank) in Worcester. She was a member of St. Stephens's Church in Quinebaug. Early in life, Mrs. Bley was a very active member of the Worcester County Light Opera Club. She had a beautiful voice, loved to sing and perform, and was involved in many of their productions. She enjoyed gardening, taking care of her plants, and shopping. She adored her grandchildren and will be dearly missed by her family. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 17, 2010, at St. Joseph's Church, 12 Main St., North Grosvenordale. Burial will be private at St. Joseph's Cemetery in North Grosvenordale. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph's School, 26 Main St., North Grosvenordale, CT 06255, or to the Masonicare Hospice, 22 Masonic Ave., P.O. Box 70, Wallingford, CT 06492. Paradis Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford, MA, is directing the arrangements.