"Bradley and Kayley, I cannot begin to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. Your mother and I grew up together in Edmonton. When she moved in to the house next door at a very young age we connected and a friendship grew which I am forever grateful and truly blessed. We did everything together and we had wild imaginations which to this day often brings a smile to my face when I think of some of the crazy things we did. I will always remember watching Saturday night hockey together and when your grandmother got a color tv we were on cloud nine. Hockey was one of our things and we were fortunate enough to have your great-grandfather or my father take us to many of the Oil King junior games back in the late 60s. Your great-grandparents lived close to us and we would sometimes clean their house to make a couple of dollars. Needless to say Im not sure the house was much cleaner when we finished but we were always thankful for the opportunity to earn some money to spend at the corner store. In our late teens and early 20s we continued to hang out together and always took care of each other. Your mom was one of my Bridesmaids when I married in 1981. In the latter years I always loved hearing from Becky. Our conversations were usually brief, but very meaningful. Updates on our families was always a priority. She loved her kids so much and was so proud. We always ended our conversations with an I love you.We were truly connected and on July 8th at the approximate time of Beckys service I was thinking of her as I often did. The following morning I googled her name and was heartbroken to read of her passing.Becky was and will always be on of my very best friends. I will always remember and value our friendship. She will be sadly missed and forever remembered."
In loving memory of
Rebecca J. Groundwater
July 5, 2019
Rebecca Jo (Thornhill) Groundwater, 61, of Woonsocket, passed away July 5, 2019 at home. She was the wife of Paul Berthelette of Blackstone. Born in Louisville, KY, she was the daughter of the late Jack and Constance (Orlecki) Thornhill. She lived in Alberta, Canada for most of her life.
She worked as a telephone operator, as well as a post office worker. Rebecca enjoyed watching ice hockey, and spending time with her whole family, especially her children. She loved the Lord with all her heart and is now alive and resting in heaven for all eternity with Him.
Besides her husband Paul, she is survived by her two children, Bradley Groundwater and his wife Julia Petrovitch of Washington, DC, and Kayley Groundwater-Celestine and her husband Patrick Celestine of Seattle, WA; one grandchild on the way; her brother William Thornhill and his wife Cathy Thornhill of Venice, FL; as well as her two nieces, Carrie Dorse of Gainsville, GA, and Julie Locklear of Hingham, MA; and her nephew Bill Thornhill of Cranston.
A memorial service for Rebecca will be held on Monday, July 8, 2019 at 4 PM in Harvest Community Church, 60 North Main St. Woonsocket. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Salvation Army of Woonsocket, 30 Main St. Woonsocket RI 02895. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Holt Funeral Home, 510 South Main St. Woonsocket.
Tributes
"Dear Cathy,Wil, & Family,You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Have peace in knowing when your dear Rebecca left you and entered through the glorious gates of heaven she is now home with Him and at peace rejoicing."
"A Ray of Sunshine was ordered on July 8, 2019"