Patricia M. “Pat” (Peralli) Thibodeau, 83, of South Windsor, loving wife of over 62 years of Donald R. Thibodeau, peacefully entered eternal rest surrounded by her caring family at her home on Monday, December 15, 2025. Born in Hartford on July 16, 1942, a daughter of the late Joseph and Ruth (Fahr) Peralli, she had been a resident of South Windsor for the past 60 years. Pat was a high honors graduate of Windsor High School, class of 1960.
Prior to her retirement, Pat was the bookkeeper and co-owner with her husband for 40 years of Don’s Boulevard Texaco and later Don’s Quality Used Cars in Vernon. A family first individual, she at age 66 with her husband adopted their infant grandson and raised him as their own son. She was the Nanny and caregiver for all her grandchildren and would often pack several of them in the car to go pick up the other grandkids from school and after school activities.
Pat loved cooking meals for her family and friends to enjoy during the week and on holidays. A loyal fan of the former Hartford Whalers, she and her husband would often entertain players at their residence for dinner and holiday dinners, especially at Thanksgiving. She was a talented 10-pin bowler who participated in area Classic Leagues and liked going to Mohegan Sun casino to play the slot machines. Most of all, Pat was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished each moment spent with her entire family.
Along with her beloved husband, Pat is survived by three daughters, Kim Pantano and her husband Manny, Lori Hart and her husband Adrian, Dawn Vanek and her husband Peter all of Vernon; her adopted son, Donnie Thibodeau at home in South Windsor; nine special grandchildren, Chelsey Mara and her husband Eli, Christopher Pantano, Richard Sargeant, Taylor Kranmas and her husband Marc, Lindsey Machholz and her fiancé Alix Perry, Lexi Soucy and her husband Gabe, Zachary Sargeant and his partner Jenna Santostefano, Haley Machholz and her partner Shawn Golding, Madison Sargeant; and seven adored great-grandchildren, Darian, Makai, Aurora, Troy, Nylah, Hudson, Angelo, and expectant great-granddaughter, Nyari Patricia. She also leaves a stepson, Donald Roger Thibodeau of Manchester; a stepdaughter, Crystal Gladu of New Bedford, MA; two brothers-in-law, Norman Thibodeau and his wife Sue of South Carolina, Carl Thibodeau of North Carolina; a special dear friend, Toby Daley of South Windsor; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Besides her parents, Pat was predeceased by two brothers, Dominic “Butch” Peralli of Tolland, and Joseph “Joey” Peralli of East Windsor.
Pat’s family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday (December 21st) from 1 - 3 pm at the D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford. A prayer service celebrating Pat’s life will follow at 3 pm at the funeral home chapel. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Patricia’s name may be made to the VNA, Hospice & Health Services of CT, 8 Keynote Drive, Vernon, CT 06066. Patricia’s family would like to extend their sincere gratitude and appreciation to her doctors, nurses, and entire staff of Vernon VNA & Hospice for their professionalism, care, compassion, and love given to Patricia and her entire family. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com
