Southbridge: Rose E. (Leveille) Garceau, 82, of Dresser Park, passed away on Monday, Sept. 26 ^th , in the Overlook Masonic Healthcare Center, Charlton, after an illness.

She leaves her two children, Michael J. Garceau of Southbridge and Laura J. Messier and her husband Richard of Southbridge; her three sisters, Patricia A. Fournier of Southbridge, Doris Blondin of Southbridge and Ellen McKissick of Southbridge; her two grandchildren, Matthew Messier of Newton and Meaghan Demers and her husband Michael of Worcester; a great grandchild, Brandon Demers; a special nephew who was like a son to her, James LaPlante of Sutton; along with many other nieces, nephews and cousins.  She also leaves her canine companion, Gracie.  She was predeceased by her two brothers, Charles Leveille, Jr. and James Leveille.  Rose was born in Southbridge the daughter of the late Charles A. and Annie E. (McGrath) Leveille.

Rose worked at the American Optical Co. in Southbridge for many years.  After the American Optical Co. she moved to Menlo Park, CA for 12 years and worked for Garrett-Hewitt International.  She retired in 1993 due to illness and moved back to Southbridge to be near her family.  Before moving to California, Rose worked the concession stand at the Henry St. softball field for several years.  In retirement she volunteered with Meals on Wheels.

Rose was an avid Elvis Presley and 50s music fan and loved to dance.  She was also a fan of the New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox and the Green Bay Packers.  Rose enjoyed going on rides with her daughter Laura and her son Mike and going to Dunkin Donuts and Subway.

Rose had a great sense of humor and was a generous person, always willing to help anyone in need. Rose got her first tattoo at age 70 which says: 'Live well, Laugh often, Love with all your heart', a motto she lived by every day.

A funeral Mass for Rose will be held on Saturday, Oct. 15 ^th , at 10:00am in St. Mary's Church of the St. John Paul II Parish, 263 Hamilton St., Southbridge.  Burial will be a the convenience of the family.  There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.

The Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, is directing arrangements.