Pat is relatively new to Decatur House, but already fits in like a longtime member of the family. Friendly and outgoing, she is quick to laugh, sing or strike up a conversation.
Born in Salem, Pat recalls her childhood as a very happy time. “We didn’t have much money, but we didn’t know it,” she said. “We never went without anything, and we always had a good time.”
She had two siblings, including a sister, Gloria, who lives in New Hampshire. Then there was her late brother, Ernest, of whom Pat has fond – often humorous — memories.
For example, she used to help “Ernie” on his paper route. While he delivered to the first floor, she trekked all the way upstairs. “He told me the top floors tipped better,” she recalled, laughing.
For Pat, most of the good times revolved around music and dancing. “I always loved to dance, but my husband had four left feet,” she said. But that dilemma was easily resolved because, “A lot of wives didn’t want to dance, so, I’d dance with everyone else’s husbands,” she said, with a grin.
Pat’s passion for parties, dancing and music was likely influenced by her mother, Lucienne. “She was always the life of the party,” Pat said. “She loved to dance and sing, and taught herself to play the piano.”
Pat also credits her affinity for a certain Boston ball club to Lucienne – or “Lucy” as she was affectionately called. “My mother loved her Red Sox,” Pat said. Lucy often took the bus to Fenway Park, and eventually began taking Pat along with her. “I saw Ted Williams in person,” Pat recalled. “I thought I was in heaven!”
Pat also enjoyed swimming, bicycling and playing pick-up basketball. Her very favorite, however, was ice skating.
Widowed twice, Pat has two daughters, a son, six grandchildren and a great-grandchild. She is extremely proud that all six of her grandchildren are college graduates.
