Patricia A. Mitchell

Patty Mitchell knew that when she gave a hug…which was often if not always…in return she received a hug! It was a win-win! Loving, social and affable by nature Pat loved life and the people in it. She knew life was too short to not tell the people in it she loved them. Her middle initial is 'A' and perhaps that is synonymous with her personality…affectionate!

Born on July 6, 1950 in Malden she was a daughter of the late Stanley G. and Margaret (Barry) Mitchell Sr. Patty attended and graduated from the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown and later earned her Associate degree from Chamberlain Junior College. 

It was at Perkins where her friendship began with Valerie M. 'Val' Duclos. Love is not blind and Patty knew that Val would be the person with whom she would want to grow old together. It was a bouquet of freesia flowers that helped solidify the relationship when she appeared at her door with them. Neither could see the flowers but they could appreciate the simple gift and the fragrance…perfection! And after twenty-seven years together they made their commitment official on July 11, 2015 when they were married at Church of the Good Shepherd in Watertown. Thirty years together…literally guiding, supporting and loving one another…there is no greater gift. Love is love!


Pat died peacefully on Monday, February 4, 2019 in Miriam Boyd Parlin Hospice Residence in Wayland. She was 67.

She worked for over 35 years at MetLife as an administrative assistant and receptionist. She then took a position at her alma mater, The Perkins School, where she was responsible for calling the many generous donors to personally thank them on behalf of the school for their donations. Instilled in her was the virtue of giving without remembering and taking without forgetting!

To say Patty loved music is an understatement. Where words fail…music speaks! She loved all genre but most special was country. Wynonna Judd was her favorite and in her memory bank is the concert where she was able to meet and be photographed with Wynonna! She sang for years with the Mystic Chorale of Arlington and in the Presbyterian Church of Newton and St. Clements Church in Somerville. Patty also found pleasure in the read of a great book and remaining in touch with as many as possible through email and her computer.

In addition to her wife, Val, she leaves her siblings, Stanley G. Mitchell (late Sandra) of Billerica, Irene M. O'Donnell of Swanzey, NH and John B. Mitchell (Tara) of Stoneham; nieces & nephews and much loved guide dogs, Mallory and Indra.

Patty was also the sister of the late Ginny Riley.

Family and friends will honor and remember Patricia's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Sunday, February 10th from 2 to 5 p.m. and again on Monday when her funeral service will be held at 12 Noon. Burial will follow in Grove Hill Cemetery, Waltham.

Honor Patty's memory. Give those you know and love a hug.

Memorials in her name to the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc., 371 East Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, NY 11787-2976 or Perkins School for the Blind, 175 North Beacon St, Watertown, MA 02472.