Patrice Bolgen, 94

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. —  Patrice Bolgen, 94, died peacefully in her home on November 20th, 2021. Patrice was residing in North Adams, and was predeceased by her much-loved husband of 44 years, Kaare (Kay) A Bolgen (1908 - 2005).

She was born Dorothy Patricia Manuche in Newburgh, NY on March 17th, 1927, to George J. Manuche (Beacon, NY) and Rita (Federico/Fredericks) Manuche (Italy), and was raised in New Windsor, NY.

Patrice attended Newburgh Free Academy, New Paltz State Teacher's College, and completed her Master’s Degree program at New York University. She was a dedicated, creative and loving teacher at the Great Neck Long Island Elementary School, and retired in 1981 after 34 years of teaching. To her last days, she remained in contact with many of her prior students whose lives were forever touched by her wonderful approach to teaching. After retiring, she and Kaare moved to Sandisfield, MA, then moved to North Adams in the early 1990s.

Patrice was also predeceased by her brother, George “Mike” Manuche of Manhattan NY, (1921 - 2013) and his wife, Martha Wright Manuche (1923-2016). She was a loving aunt to, and is survived by, their four children, Michael Manuche, Maria Manuche, Jayvie Manuche, and Jenny Vellante, as well as her ten grandnieces and nephews, Michael, AJ, and Nick Manuche, Michael, Jennifer, and Jacqueline Allen, Sarah and Judy Anderson, and Katharine and Colin Vellante. Patrice is also survived by Kaare’s grandnephew, Jarle Edler, and his four children, of Oslo, Norway.

Patrice was passionate about animal rights, and was a life-long vegetarian. She cared deeply about the environment and current events globally. Mostly, she kept a love and playful joy for life unsurpassed by anyone. Her sheer love of living and interest in this world was more than full color - as could be seen in her many pieces of artwork, paintings and intricate ‘doodles'. She was deeply loved by family, friends, and amazing caregivers, who were all also family to her. She changed the lives of all her knew her, reminded us to notice everything around us - there is wonder in all things large and small.

Although her family and friends are planning a private gathering in her honor, they suggest that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of the many organizations that meant so much to Patrice, like The Friends of the North Adams Library, Windsor Lake, the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), and Hospice of Western and Central Massachusetts. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com