Dr. Elliott

Dr. Patricia Elliott of Somerville passed away peacefully on May 17, 2021. Dr. Elliott, affectionately called Pat, was an accomplished professor of English at Regis College for 24 years before she retired as Professor Emerita of English.

Pat received her Bachelor of Arts Degree, her Master's Degree and her Ph.D. in English from the University of Arkansas. From there she moved to Louisiana to begin her teaching career at Louisiana Tech University and, after several years, continued her journey north to Boston.

Her passion was teaching literature, but her determined task was teaching writing. She looked forward each September to a new class of students but, as soon as they had completed the years' work, she was ready to go.

Pat loved to travel. She was a curious and intelligent traveler, spending countless hours exploring ruins, museums and churches, and making lifelong friends from many countries along the way. Greece, Italy and, most recently, France won her heart as favorite places to explore.

Pat loved spending time by the water as well, from the islands of Greece to the beaches in Gloucester. She loved to watch the sun dance across the water and the special light at dusk. There, she wrote poetry.

She also loved classical music and had a subscription to the Handel and Haydn Society for many years.

After her retirement, Pat was happiest working in her garden. She worked tirelessly each spring to prune and plant, and then she relaxed and enjoyed the beauty that she had created.

Pat was also a keen businesswoman and took pride in maintaining and improving her properties.

Throughout her life. Pat never lost her thirst for learning. She was an avid reader, started a book club with her Regis colleagues and, even at her death, was enrolled in classes at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Tufts University.

Pat's life was full and meaningful. But, more than anything else, Pat was a loyal and cherished friend. She was a keeper of ties going back to her college and sorority days. At the Zeta Tau Alpha house, she found a new family of friends who are as close now as they were when they were college freshmen. She was given to long conversations with friends and wine over every topic. And she did not pass up the opportunity for a good debate. All who knew her enjoyed her sense of humor and admired her breadth of knowledge. She was a caring and generous person. She will be forever missed and loved.
Pat is survived by her longtime partner, Deborah Sawin, her extended Sawin/Jones family, her dear friends and her devoted felines.

Pat was always concerned about those in need of food and always encouraged donations for others, rather than gifts for herself. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local food pantry.

A graveside service will be held at Lakeside Cemetery in Wakefield on Monday, May 24, 2021, at 11:00 A.M. Visitation prior to the service will be at McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield at 10:00 A.M. Details are available at www.mcdonaldfs.com.

As COVID precautions remain in effect, we ask that you wear a mask and practice social distancing.

May 24, 2021
10:00 AM to 10:30 AM

McDonald Funeral Home
19 Yale Ave
Wakefield, MA 01880
(781) 245-3550

May 24, 2021
11:00 AM

Lakeside Cemetery
501 North Ave.
Wakefield, MA 01880