Patricia E. (Hedlund) Givan

West Boylston - Patricia Ellen Givan passed away peacefully at home with her family after an eight-month battle with colon cancer. She was 78 years old.  

Patricia was predeceased by her husband, John Hamilton ‘Ham’ Givan. (1933–2007) She is survived by her two children: John H. ‘Jay’ Givan Jr. of West Boylston, MA and Wendy F. Toth (Givan) of Bolton, MA along with her husband, Scott and her two grandchildren; Madeline P. Toth and Andrew C. Toth.  She also leaves behind her brother David S. Hedlund of Dunedin FL, his wife Paula; her brother-in-law, Curtis V. Givan of North Kingstown, Rhode Island; many cousins, nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her sister-in-law, Mary L. Bath (Givan) (1931-2015) and brother in-law, James A. Givan Jr. (1929 – 1994).

Patricia was born in Lawton, Oklahoma on July 29, 1944, daughter of Harold A. Hedlund Jr (1917-2001) and Frances M. Hedlund (nee Youngstrom) (1918-1992).  After Harold served at Fort Sill, the family returned to Massachusetts settling in the Chaffins section of Holden.  In her youth, she was a lifeguard at the Holden Town Pool and played basketball for Wachusett High School.  She later attended the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut to study Physical Education.

While working at the David Clark Company in Worcester, she met her future husband, Ham.  They married on November 11, 1967, at Chaffin Congregational Church in Holden where Patricia attended as a child.  They moved to West Boylston, MA where they settled and remained residents since.

She was a dedicated caretaker to her family.  When Pat and Ham were first married, she took care of him due to his health issues often driving him to various appointments.  She later helped care for her grandmother, Ellen Youngstrom (nee Mork) of Sweden, her mother, her father and then her husband again. 

In 1978, she and Ham co-founded Givan Associates, Inc., a manufacturers rep agency representing commercial sound for American and Canadian manufacturers throughout New England for over thirty years.  She was well-liked and respected in the industry.  She was able to travel across the country through their business attending various trade shows.

She was supportive of her family's interests and endeavors and rarely missed her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events.  In addition, she always had a great sense of humor especially when it came to Ham’s antics.   She liked to tease him in good nature always trying to get a rise out of him.  He claimed she was always moving his things around the house and even throwing his things out!  It was always in good fun.

In her retirement, Pat became a member of the Nordic Lodge #611 where she connected with fellow Scandinavians in the area.  She also became more active in genealogy in her later years.  She enjoyed connecting families together through her resources.  She enjoyed politics and liked to stay informed on current events.

For the past 17 years, Patricia enjoyed being a grandmother more than anything.   She adored her grandchildren and would spend countless hours doing whatever activity they chose.  Pat didn’t just watch the kids, she participated to the full extent even if the house was turned upside down!  She wanted to enjoy every second she could while she was with them.

Patricia also valued her friendships throughout her life.  She didn’t lose a friend but often gained many along the way including her childhood friends, friends she gained while in West Boylston and even new ones she made even in the last few years of her life.  She cherished these connections dearly.

She enjoyed day trips, the ocean, yard work, westerns and mysteries, her social life and her solitude. She had a quiet faith. 

Family and friends will honor and remember Patricia’s life by gathering on Thursday, June 29th for visitation in the Chaffin Congregational Church, 155 Shrewsbury Street, Holden from 9:30 – 11AM. followed by her funeral service at 11AM. Burial will follow in Mount Vernon Cemetery, West Boylston.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Saint Vincent Hospital, Cancer & Wellness Care Center, 1 Eaton Place, Worcester, MA 01608.

Arrangements by James & John Heald of The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street, Waltham.