Patricia A. Simkewicz

WESTMINSTER — Patricia A. (Cygan) Simkewicz, 81, of Westminster, formerly of Athol and Gardner, died peacefully after a long illness on Friday, April 5, 2019 at Rose Monahan Hospice Home in Worcester, MA. Patty was born in Gardner on August 26, 1937, the daughter of the late Walter and Jadwiga (Lesneski) Cygan. She married the love of her life, Richard T. Simkewicz, Sr., on May 24, 1958. Patty and Dick enjoyed dancing, spending time with family and friends, traveling and vacationing with their children. She enjoyed gardening, puzzles, was an avid reader and enjoyed watching sports. She leaves three sons, Christopher Michael of Gardner, Daniel Francis and his significant other, Janette (Sully) Sullivan of Lunenburg, and Andrew James and his wife, Lauren of Westminster; five grandchildren, Justin, Jared, Paige, Emma, and Rachel; and a brother Michael W. Cygan and his wife, Kathleen of Athol, MA and their son Derek of Norwalk, CT. She was pre-deceased by her husband of 57 years, Richard T. Simkewicz, Sr., her son, Richard T. Simkewicz, Jr., and her sister Jacqueline V. Cygan. Patty graduated from Templeton High School in 1955. After being a homemaker and raising her 4 boys, she worked at the Greater Fitchburg Chamber of Commerce for 2 years, then the Templeton Developmental Center as a Vocational Instructor for 15 years. During her retirement, Patty volunteered at the Athol Chamber of Commerce, was the President of AARP in Athol, a member of the St. Francis Women’s Club, Athol’s Women’s Club, Athol Hospital’s gift shop, and a communicant of St. Francis of Assisi in Athol. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 10:00 a.m at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 101 Main St., Athol. Burial will follow in Gethsemane Cemetery, Athol. Calling hours will be held Friday, April 12, 2019 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Rd., Orange, MA. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions to Rose Monahan Hospice Home, 10 Judith Road, Worcester, MA 01602; www.vnacare.org/donors. To send an online condolence please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com. Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Road, Orange is assisting with arrangements.