Lucille J. (Thériault) DiRubio, 87, a long-time resident of Paxton, passed away on January 15, 2022 at Life Care Center of Acton, after enduring several health challenges with grace and determination. Lucille was born in Salem, Massachusetts on June 27, 1934, the youngest child and loving daughter of Auguste and Emma (Gagne) Thériault. She grew up during the Great Depression in a family that was very proud of their French-Canadian heritage. Lucille spoke only French until a neighborhood friend taught her English when she was in elementary school. At age 4, after being struck by an oil delivery truck on a street corner in Salem, she recovered from a coma but was left with a long scar on her face. In her youth she became an accomplished piano player, mastering Chopin, but gave up lessons at the age of 16 to help support her family. Lucille graduated first in her class from both St. Joseph's Academy in Salem (1952) and St. Joseph's Hospital School of Nursing in Lowell (1957). She had a long career as a registered nurse, including at Salem Hospital from 1958 through 1967, and later at St. Vincent's Hospital and UMass Memorial in Worcester. She loved working in the operating room, as both a scrub and circulating nurse. She spent the last few years of her career in the holding area, where she comforted patients before they went into surgery. Her colleagues made Lucille an honorary member of the anesthesia department at UMass Memorial Campus, just prior to her retirement in 1999, and she was very proud of this award. Years later, patients would recognize her in the grocery store and thank her for her compassionate care. Lucille had a few adventures of note, including eloping in 1956 (at the time, the nursing school students were not allowed to be married). She was a wonderful mother who always encouraged her children's educational and athletic endeavors. For a few years, she helped coach softball in Paxton, and spent many hours shuttling her children to baseball, hockey, football, soccer, and cross-country competitions. In her later years, she became an enthusiastic Red Sox and Patriots fan, rarely missing a game. She was a huge fan of blues music and saw several of her favorite artists, including BB King, live in concert. Many in Paxton will remember her passing by their homes during her 4-mile power walks, listening to her Walkman. She loved to talk and would often strike up conversations in the checkout line at stores. Lucille is survived by her former husband, Robert DiRubio of Holden, as well as her three children: Christopher DiRubio and his wife Sherry (Dickens) of Perrysburg, Ohio, Pamela Hegarty and her husband James of Concord, and Kirk DiRubio and his wife Susie (Devlin) of Cataumet. She is also survived by her granddaughters Aurora Hegarty and Leah DiRubio, who lovingly called her "Lulu", her sister Leonne Provencher, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Lucille was pre-deceased by her siblings Robert Theriault, Rita Berube, Anita Shalit, and William Theriault, and by her grandson Joseph Hegarty. The family is planning a memorial service in July. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in Lucille's memory to the American Cancer Society, Meals on Wheels, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the care of Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.