It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Patricia A. McDonough, who peacefully left this world on February 11, 2025, at the age of 92. She will be forever missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.
Patricia was born on December 15, 1932, in Somerville MA, to parents Edward and Leona Colbert.
She grew up in Somerville, MA and attended Saint Joseph’s High School. Later in life after raising a family in Rowley MA, she attended Salem State College and received her Bachelor of Science in Education, then went on to receive her Master’s Degree in education from Cambridge College. She had a successful career as a 3rd grade teacher at the Burley School in Ipswich, MA and later at the Timberlane Regional High School in NH. In the early 70’s she was elected to the School Committee that established Triton Regional High School. In addition to being an educator she had a passion for classical piano and liturgical music. For more than 36 years she was the music director at St. Mary’s Church in Rowley and worked with a talented group of musicians and choir members that became lifelong friends. In 1999 her reputation for music in the community landed her a cameo appearance in the church scene at “St. Ann’s Catholic Church” in Gloucester, MA, during the filming of Sebastian Junger’s “The Perfect Storm” by Warner Bros films.
Patricia was a kind, generous, and loving person who touched the lives of many. She was known for her devotion to family, positive attitude and unwavering compassion towards others. She was a devoted spouse and cherished family above all else. In her free time, Patricia enjoyed traveling and had dual citizenship with The Republic of Ireland and visited there many times with her family. Other international trips included Taiwan, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Canada and countries throughout the Caribbean. She enjoyed her home in Rowley for almost 70 years and perennially designed and tendered to her several gardens. Other pastimes included lifelong obsession with the Red Sox, reading, beach glass hunting, playing the piano, needlepoint work, attending Symphony Hall in Boston and baking.
Preceding her in death, her loving husband, John J. McDonough.
Patricia will be deeply missed by her sons, John J. McDonough Esq. of Dix Hills NY (wife Christine), Mark E. McDonough of Brentwood NH (Wife Martha), Stephen G. McDonough of Kensington NH (wife Cheryl), Patrick M. McDonough of Kensington NH (wife Carrie), and Matthew J. McDonough of West Newbury MA (wife Tobi). Fourteen Grandchildren and Nine Great Grandchildren. Patricia is survived by her brother Edward Colbert Jr. of Melrose MA.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend calling hours on Monday, February 17, 2025, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., at F. S. Roberts & Son Funeral Home, 14 Independent Street, Rowley. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at Saint Mary Parish, 202 Main Street, Rowley. Burial will follow at Rowley Burial Ground. In lieu of flowers and at Patricia’s request please make any donations to St. Mary Parish, 94 Andover Street, Georgetown, MA 01833.
To light a memorial candle or to leave a message of condolence,
please visit www.fsrobertsandson.com.
~ Arrangements entrusted to F. S. Roberts & Son Funeral Home ~
