Patricia A. (Shepardson) Wenk-Foucher

Patricia A. “Pat” (Shepardson) Wenk-Foucher, 91, of East Longmeadow died after a brief illness on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at Cape Cod Hospital. She was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, the daughter of the late Herbert L. and Dorothy (Beaudry) Shepardson. Pat graduated from the former Technical High School in 1948 and from the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in 1951 where she used her nursing skills doing staff duty and, later, private duty nursing. In 1976, Pat went to work for the American Red Cross Blood Services, retiring after seventeen years of service. Continuing to help others after retirement, Pat was a twelve-year volunteer for the Massachusetts Association of the Blind and a seventeen-year volunteer at the Springfield Ronald McDonald House. In addition, she had been actively involved in walking dogs at the Thomas J. O’Connor Canine Control Center in Springfield and, more recently, volunteered in the Computer Center at the Springfield Jewish Community Center. She was a longtime communicant of St. Michael’s Church of East Longmeadow. An attractive woman with a bright smile, a warm heart, and high standards, Pat was a ready, trusted help to friends. Pat was delighted with all aspects of nature and loved to walk. She looked forward to maple sugar season and the Alaskan Iditarod Race. She also loved to challenge her mind with word puzzles. Since childhood, she spent many summers at Cape Cod and Otis, MA getting to know and appreciate the regions. Whomever she traveled with, they were treated with interesting, fun explorations. She was a very gracious vacation companion. Pat leaves three loving sons, Peter Wenk of Morgan, VT, Alan Wenk and his wife Christine of Mashpee MA, and Steven Wenk of Eagle River, AK; one grandson, Joshua Wenk-Roper; as well as three nieces. Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, December 22nd beginning with visitation from 8:15 – 9:15 AM at the Byron Keenan Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen Street, in Springfield, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial celebrated at 10:00 AM at St. Michael’s Church, 128 Maple Street in East Longmeadow. Rites of Committal will conclude at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 421 Tinkham Road in Springfield.