GALE A. BOURGET (DOWNING)

     Gale A. “Mrs. B.” (Downing) Bourget, 62, passed away peacefully Thursday, February 22, 2018 at Saint Vincent Hospital, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous battle with Breast Cancer and Multiple Sclerosis.

She leaves her husband of 40 years, Albert R. “Al” Bourget; her twin daughters, Janet L. Bourget and Jennifer L. Bourget -Yaskis and her husband, Joseph; a son, Jonathan A. Bourget all of Holden; her twin brother, George R. Downing, Jr. and his wife, Janet of Sturbridge; three sisters, Sharon Boyd and her husband, Chandler “Chipper” of East Brookfield, Kim Downing and her husband, Edward “Dusty” Shead of Shrewsbury and Dawn Chaput and her husband, Arthur of Nolanville, Texas; her cherished granddaughter, Julia Gale Yaskis; several nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

She was born in Melrose, daughter of George R. Downing, Sr. and Beverly (Peters) Downing. She was raised in Malden and Northborough, but spent the last 40 years in Holden. Gale was a graduate of Algonquin Regional High School in Northborough, class of 1973 where she was a proud member of the cheerleading squad. She worked the following several years as an executive secretary at Frye Boots in Marlborough and Riley-Stoker in Worcester. Gale enjoyed being a stay-at-home Mom, but soon found herself back to work starting and running Mrs. B.’s Family Childcare out of her home for over 30 years until retiring due to illness.

Besides being a New England sports fan, she looked forward to spending summer vacations in Wells, Maine with her family. Gale enjoyed the beach, reading, playing board games, Bingo, Roulette, Pai Gow Poker and Backgammon on her Kindle. Most of all she loved spending time with her family and friends, especially her new granddaughter, Julia Gale.

Gale was selfless and generous, could strike up a conversation with anyone, and was considered the life of the party. Gale loved connecting with people and merely enjoying the moment of conversation. Gale lived her life with strength, compassion, hope and love. She often said:

“I love you to pieces!”

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Gale’s family from 4 to 7 pm on Monday, February 26, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A funeral service honoring her life will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, February 27, at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 70 Highland St., Holden. Interment will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Gale’s name to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater New England Chapter, 101A 1st Ave., Waltham, MA 02451, or Susan G. Komen New England, 2000 Commonwealth Ave., Auburndale, MA 02466.