WESTFIELD – Pasqualina “Pat” Josephine (Cardaropoli) Gilberti, 86, (1933 – 2020) passed away Saturday, January 18, 2020 at home. Pat battled kidney cancer for almost 10 years with dignity, tenacity and grace.
Pat was thankful for so many blessings throughout her life; mainly her husband Paul, who was her best friend and life partner. They shared almost 44 glorious years of marriage together until his death in February of 1998. At last, they are together again, walking hand in hand.
Pat was born and raised in Springfield, MA. She treasured her large extended family of Merola’s and Cardaropoli’s. Pat attended Springfield Schools and upon graduation became an LPN. In 1963, Pat and Paul moved to Elizabeth Ave in Westfield. Pat loved her home and her neighbors. They too, became her extended family.
For many years, Pat was a stay at home Mom. She re-entered the workforce in 1975. Pat loved the twenty one years she spent employed at Baystate Medical Center. Her favorite units were West 5 and NICU. Upon her retirement, she and Paul enjoyed spontaneous road trips, dining out, and visiting the Cape, South Carolina and the Caribbean. Pat was a voracious reader and took great enjoyment in music and word puzzles. Pat was a devout Catholic.
Pat is survived by her loving children and their spouses, who in all ways were daughters and sons; Anthony F. Gilberti (Janet), Margie Gilberti-Barton (Edju), Nicholas J. Gilberti (Marie), and Trish LaBelle (Kenny). Pat cherished and lived for special times shared with her twelve grandchildren Jenness (Tore), Kelly-Beth (Craig), Jonathan (Melissa), Sara (Chris), Rachel (Nate), Anthony, Matthew (Taylor), Nicole (Jaci), Heidi, Aaron, Jason and Lindsay (Mark). Pat was especially grateful for her twenty three great grandchildren who gave her so much love and joy.
Pat leaves her much loved younger sister, Joan Colson (Ray) of Springfield, many treasured nieces, nephews and cousins. Pat also leaves her daughter-in-law Julie.
Pat was predeceased by her parents Anthony F. and Margaret Cardaropoli; sister Carol Rezzani; brother-in-law Biagio Francis Gilberti; great granddaughter Caydance Biron; nephew Ron Rezzani and many treasured aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
The family is particularly grateful for the outstanding care provided to Pat by her daughter Trish, Mercy Life, and the Arbor Staff.
Family and friends are invited to gather on Thursday, January 23, 2020 from 4-7 PM at Forastiere Funeral Home, 45 Locust Street, Springfield, MA. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 24, 2020 at 9:30 AM at the funeral home followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 AM at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish, 127 Holyoke Rd, Westfield, MA. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Westfield.
Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish and/or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.forastiere.com
