ROCKLAND - Patricia A. (Mahoney) Ryan, 72, died peacefully on Friday, January 29, 2016 at Sussman House in Rockport.
Patricia - “Pat” or “Patty” to her friends and relatives - was born and raised in Rockland and was a proud member of the Rockland High School Class of 1961. She enjoyed her work on the Class Reunion Committee for many years.
After her divorce in 1969, Pat bravely entered the workforce to raise her four beautiful and talented children, who loved her very much. Ultimately, Pat was employed by Penobscot Bay Medical Center for over 35 years, retiring from Patient Registration but continuing to work per diem for a few years before she became ill.
Pat was an avid reader who enjoyed music, playing cards, photography, doing crossword and Sudoku puzzles, going to the beach, and boating with friends and family - especially on the “Fun Boat”. One of her favorite places to visit was the island of Criehaven, spending time with her dear friends Carmen and Anson Norton.
Pat was a lover of life, laughter, sunrises, and sunsets. She was a very kind-hearted person who cared for many with a strong, beautiful spirit. Everyone always knew exactly where they stood with Pat - she was direct, open and keenly honest. Her fiery wit and sense of humor were on display right to the end.
Patty was predeceased by her parents, Charles E. and Edith F. Mahoney and all of her siblings: Ruth Wilson, Marguerite Emerson, Virginia Brown, Lloyd Mahoney and Charles Mahoney Jr.
Patricia is survived by her children, their spouses and her grandchildren, all of whom she cherished and was fiercely proud. Her sons are Jeffrey and wife Donna of Gray, and Roscoe and his wife Lisa of Warren. Her daughters are Joanne and her husband John Delbridge of Gresham, Nebraska, and Julie Ryan and her husband Peter York of Spruce Head. Pat’s grandchildren include Olivia Ryan of Richmond, Texas; Abby Ryan of Portland, and; Sam Ryan of Warren.
Pat is also survived by brother-in-law Allison Wilson of Port Clyde, mother-in-law Hester M. Ryan of Searsmont, and many nieces and nephews, including special nieces and nephews Suzanne Lowen, Derek Mahoney, Lauren Mahoney and Jason Mahoney.
Pat surrounded herself with a wonderful group of very special friends, including Paula Sawyer; Sylvia Ross; Lorraine Mace, Terry Hanley, Donna Dearborn and; Carmen and Anson Norton.
At Pat’s request, there will be no funeral or visitation services. A celebration of her life will be held in the spring, her favorite time of the year.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to: Sussman House c/o Pen Bay Healthcare Foundation, 22 White St., Rockland, ME 04841. Gifts may also be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via www.dana-farber.org/gift .
Pat’s family is being assisted by Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St., Rockland. To share a memory or condolence with Pat’s family, please visit her Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.