Patricia Pierce
Braintree, Mass. — Patricia J. Pierce, most recently of Braintree, but previously of Hingham, Mass., Groton and Mystic, passed away peacefully Jan. 7, 2024, at South Shore Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. She is now reunited in the presence of God with her husband, Donald, who passed away Nov. 29, 2023. Patricia was born June 3, 1951, in Milton, Mass., to Donald and Mary (O’Hare) Ryan.
Her earliest years were spent in Hyde Park before she moved to Marshfield in the second grade. Patricia had wonderful memories of her childhood, with loving parents and brothers, Edward and Michael. As a child, she enjoyed roller skating, participated in Girls Scouts and danced with Sugar Marmai. Patricia graduated from Marshfield High School in 1969, where she played on the basketball team, was the goalie for the conference championship field hockey team and was a member of the National Honor Society. Patricia moved on to study at Westfield State, but left school when she met the young Navy sailor who would become her husband of nearly 52 years. Donald and Patricia were married at the Navy Chapel in Bremerton, Wash., on Jan. 29, 1972. The family moved around frequently due to Donald’s Navy service. She made the sacrifices required of a military family and was the glue that held it all together for so many years. They eventually settled down in Connecticut, first in Groton, then in Mystic, where they were longtime members of their church, Pleasant Valley. Patricia learned sign language 40 years ago in order to interpret church services for the hearing impaired. She worked as a classroom aide in Groton, with young children in a special needs classroom. Patricia oriented her life in a way that focused on helping others. She shuttled six kids to sports practices and church events, made the world’s best homemade bread, patched up ripped clothing, and managed her way through kids breaking plenty of furniture and bones. Her kids were never too old for a reminder to “behave yourself; mind your manners” or a flurry of emails when a potential storm was on its way. She was a selfless and loving mother, worthy of having “Her children rise up and call her blessed.” (Proverbs 31:28)
Patricia was predeceased by her husband, Donald; and her son, Timothy. She is survived by her five children: Kevin (Leanne) Pierce of Scituate, R.I., Kenneth (Teresa) Pierce of South Chittenden, Vt., Kimberly Pierce of Holbrook, Mass., Daniel (Lisa) Pierce of Quincy, Mass., and Karen Pierce of Medford, Wis.; as well as her seven grandchildren: Ryan, Mary, Luke, Dylan, Mathabo, Ruthie and Ivy. She is also survived by her two brothers, Edward (Deborah) Ryan and Michael (Patricia) Ryan; six nieces and nephews; and a host of loving friends.
Patricia was a devoted wife, sacrificial and selfless mother, proud grandmother, loving daughter and sister, and faithful friend. She followed the example of Christ in consistently putting the needs of others before her own. She will be deeply missed.
Visitation hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, at Granite City Church, 315 Whitwell St., in Quincy. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 12, also at Granite City Church. Patricia’s ashes will be laid to rest at the Old Winslow Burying Ground in Marshfield, Mass., at a later date with her husband and son. In Patricia’s memory, consider sending a donation to Antioch Community Church, 17 Spruce St., Waltham, MA 02453 or giving online. For online condolences and directions, please see Keohane.com.