Patricia MacDonald Cummings Archambault

On October 12, 2024, Patricia MacDonald Cummings Archambault walked and blessed this land for the last time. Her loving, amazing life ascended on.  Pat was 102 years old. 

Born 9 June 1922, in Pepperell, Mass, to the late “Rita” Mary Henrietta Cummings from Inverness, Scotland, and Lester H. Cummings from Ipswich, Mass.

Pat married Joseph Frances Archambault on 25 July 1946 in Pepperell, Mass, for 57 years. Pat and Joe raised chickens in her parent’s backyard, spent weekends delivering eggs to the community, and saved enough for a down payment on a 14-acre dairy farm on the corner of Route 111 and 111A. This property was converted and became the original Archambault Poultry Farm and their homestead. Two additional properties were purchased to expand the farms: one-off Worcester Rd in Hollis and a second in Rochester, NH. These farms housed 2 to 3-story poultry buildings and an egg processing and delivery plant. The Archambault’s Egg Business became the largest in NE as they delivered “Farm Fresh Eggs” all over NE. Pat and Joe converted the 100-acre” O’Neil Farm” off of Worcester Rd into the Irene drive housing development. A large, donated parcel of that land became the first section of the “Beaver Brook Association Project “ in Hollis, a walking pathway through the community. 

In 1969, Pat and Joe purchased “Dan’s Drive-In” and a parcel of land adjacent to the Nashua River. That land developed into what is now known as “Alpine Grove.” For over 50 years, Alpine Grove has been a premier venue offering banquet halls, barbeque grounds, wedding gazebos, ball fields, and much more. In the early 70s The old Dan’s Drive-In was converted into "The Nest Cafeteria" restaurant and “The Hatch,” a convenience store.

In 2002, the original 14-acre farmhouse, with the chicken buildings torn down, was converted into a 9 hole pitch and put golf course.

Recently, the town of Hollis awarded Pat the renowned “Boston Post Cane” for being the oldest living resident in town.

Pat, who survived her husband of 57 years, together, are responsible for the economic development and food service industry in the town of Hollis and the State of New Hampshire, which is legendary and will be remembered for years to come. 

Pat and Joe had seven children: Susan and Carl W. Hammond Jr. of Lusby, MD; David and Debra Archambault of Henniker, NH (former owners of Sugar Hill Speedway and current proprietors of Tall Pine Cottages in Henniker); Bruce Archambault, of Weare, NH, Alan and Michelle Archambault, of Hollis, NH (former owners of Alpine Grove), Gary and Barbara Archambault of Hollis, NH  (Gary Archambault Construction) and  Mark Archambault of Hollis, NH  (former owner of “The Hatch"); 11 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren, she was predeceased by her daughter Nancy Irene (Archambault) Ratta who died in 1980.

Pat was the wind beneath her husband’s wings and all those that followed. Always in the shadow but every loving and caring lady/mom/ nana/ great nana. She has left an immense hole in all our hearts that memories will begin to fill. 

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Pat for her graveside service on Friday, October 18, 2024, at 11:00 am at Woodlawn Cemetery, 40 Heald St., Pepperell, MA.

Donations in her memory may be made to:
Hollis Fire Rescue & Emergency Services
10 Glenice Drive
Hollis, NH  03049
-or-
Hollis Police Department
9 Silver Lake Road
Hollis, NH  03049

Arrangements are under the care of Badger Funeral Home, 45 School Street, Groton, MA 01450  978-486-3709  www.badgerfuneral.com