FORT FAIRFIELD – Patricia J. Welch, 82, wife of the late Philip A. Welch, passed away Friday morning, Dec. 14, 2012, at a Presque Isle nursing facility after an extended illness. She was born July 15, 1930, in Rowena, New Brunswick, the daughter of Garfield and Glenna (Boyce) Larlee.
Patricia was a graduate of the Tilley, New Brunswick, school system, was married to Philip A. Welch, and later became a resident of Fort Fairfield. Patricia worked for Lawrence Goodhue at Goodhue’s Jewelry for a number of years, and in 1985 with her husband, Philip, purchased the business and continued serving as owner and operator after her husband’s death March 23, 1993. Her warm smile and charming personality was a fixture at the store, serving generations of loyal customers, and her attention to detail was truly second to none. She could always be counted on to help find that perfect gift and beautifully wrap it as only Pat could. She was truly an asset to the community. Patricia had been a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Fort Fairfield, and Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce.
She was predeceased by her parents and husband. She is survived by one daughter, Pamela L. Tracy of Caribou; one sister and brother-in-law, Violet and Richard Matthews of Nashua, N.H.; and special friend, Torr Harmer of Easton and Massachusetts. She also leaves behind her friends and caregivers, Susan LeVassuer and Joan Duff, both of Fort Fairfield; as well as her friends at Goodhue’s, Barbara Dionne and Ardith Turner, both of Fort Fairfield; several nephews and cousins.
Friends may call 7-9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 17, at Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home, 144 Main St., Fort Fairfield. The funeral service will be conducted 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 166 Main St., Fort Fairfield, with the Rev. Kevin Kinsey officiating. Spring interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Fort Fairfield. A time of continued fellowship with refreshments will held at Veterans of Foreign Wars Paul Lockhart Post No. 6187, Presque Isle Street, Fort Fairfield, immediately after the funeral service. Those who wish may contribute in memory of Mrs. Welch to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, care of Gloria Towle, P.O. Box 737, Fort Fairfield, ME 04742. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church.
Patricia J. Welch
