Family was her greatest enjoyment and loved reading and music
MELROSE — Rebecca “Becky” Doucette was born and raised in Nova Scotia by the late Alcide and Rita Pothier, she brought up her four children in Wakefield where she met her late husband of Reading Roy V. Doucette and for the past 13 years resided at the Fuller House in Melrose. Becky passed away peacefully in her home on December 7 at the age of 86 with her daughter Denise nearby.
After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer almost three years ago Becky was lovingly cared for by her children Denise, Donna, Danny and Derek; her sister Eileen Shay; and her “private nurse” Patricia Brennan along with many friends. Make no mistake, her life was never defined by her illness or her last days here on earth. She would often say “Don’t feel bad for me as I’ve had a wonderful life”. She certainly did!
Becky’s story began in the beautiful village of Sluice Point in Nova Scotia, Canada. The oldest of six children, at the age of 18 she came to reside in Wakefield. There she worked for 30+ years as a Nursing Assistant for Oostermans Rest Home and Greenwood Nursing Center as she would send money back home to help her family. Being a compassionate, caring, empathetic person with a fun-loving personality and sense of humor, this job was perfect for her. She loved her residents and co-workers and was beloved by all.
Her family was her life and her greatest enjoyment came from spending time with them. She was a kind, supportive and understanding mother who enjoyed her kids and grandchildren as they enjoyed her. She loved to take her family to Nova Scotia every summer to spend quality time with her Mom and Dad. They meant the world to her. Her siblings were her best friends and she spent much of her free time with them, sharing many meals, laughs and stories. Becky and her family became known for their storytelling. No matter what the situation Becky could weave in a good story and find the humor in almost everything. She made wonderful friendships that lasted a lifetime both in Nova Scotia and Massachusetts.
Becky enjoyed reading and writing poetry. Her life-long love of music inspired her at the age of 65 to become a songwriter when her daughter Denise helped her mother to develop her poetry into songs. Becky wrote many songs including a heartfelt song about the loss of her mother titled the “Rocking Chair”. She enjoyed accompanying her daughter to entertain at assisted livings, senior centers and nursing homes. Becky became well-known and beloved by the residents and staff as a songwriter and entertainer herself.
Becky will always be remembered as the cherished mother of Denise Doucette and her wife Patricia Brennan; Donna Anderson and her husband Stephen; Daniel Doucette and his partner Renee Driscoll-Dowd; Derek Doucette and his wife Laura. She was the proud grandmother of Jeremy and Ashley Anderson; Olivia and Joshua Doucette; Hanna and James Reagan; and the great-grandmother of Serenity, Athena, Desmond and Elias. Becky was also the loving sister of Eileen Shay and her late husband Jack; Sandra Moss and her late husband James; Ronnie Pothier and his wife Wendy; Cleve Pothier and his wife Debbie; and the late Patrick Pothier and his wife Hilda. She was also the devoted friend of the late Tony Reiss. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Becky will be truly missed. She will never be forgotten and will live on through the lives of all who loved her.
Visiting hours will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Saturday, December 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St., Mary’s Church, 4 Herbert St., Melrose at 12:30 p.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Interment will be private. Becky will be laid to rest at a later date in Nova Scotia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Becky’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1999, Memphis, TN 38101. To sign online condolence, visit gatelyfh.com.
