Grandson able to fulfill one of his grandmother’s last wishes

Derek Paquette got to say goodbye to his grandmother who passed away from COVID-19 in a Warwick nursing home, but not in the way he ever expected.

“They said they could set up a facetime for us to say goodbye,” Paquette said.” She was sleeping. She looked comfortable. We were able to say goodbye through a tablet.”

While it was tough, Paquette says some don’t even get that chance so his family is grateful for that last facetime. Patricia Foley, 88, died on Tuesday at West Shore Health Center.

Paquette says his family is extremely happy with the nursing home.

“We wanted to make sure she was always in the best hands and they would call to give updates, sometimes just to say hi,” Paquette said.

Foley was born in Providence and lived in Warwick for over 50 years with her late husband. Together, they had a son and 4 daughters, including Paquette’s mom.

“The last time I did see her she was alert and I told her she was going to be a great grandmother,” Paquette said. “When I asked her do you want a boy or a girl she said I want a boy there’s just too many girls.”

His wife’s due date is September 30th, and they are expecting a son, which he never got the chance to tell Foley while she was alert.

While Foley was being witty, Paquette says the way he sees is, his grandmother got her wish and now they will make sure her name is carried on.

“I plan on giving the baby the same middle name as my grandparent’s last name,  Foley”