PORTLAND – In the early morning of Feb. 26, 2024, Patricia G. Kelley, of Portland, passed away peacefully of natural causes at Seaside Healthcare in Portland. Pat was 101 years old.

She was born in Westbrook on June 13, 1922, the daughter of the late Emanuel “Sam” and Antoinette (Albert) Gallant. She grew up on King Street in Westbrook, attended local schools as well as boarding school for one year in Canada and graduated from Westbrook High School in 1940. She trained for nursing at Mercy Hospital and obtained her RN designation. She maintained lifelong friendships with many of her nursing classmates.

In 1948 she married Thomas F. Kelley of Portland at St Hyacinth Church. They were married for 66 years prior to Tom’s passing in 2014.

Pat practiced nursing at Mercy Hospital as well at various physicians’ offices until she began to raise her children. In later years she worked part time as a private nurse and at local blood banks.

Pat enjoyed sewing and knitting making sweaters and mittens for her children and grandchildren as well as knitted hats for newborns at various local hospitals. She belonged to knitting clubs as well as Sodality. She loved her high school reunions and was very involved in their organizing.

Pat enjoyed travel with her husband as well as participating in many family activities. Pat established a large social network throughout her life maintaining many long-term friendships. She was an avid reader, loved music and dancing. Tom always joked that they met at a dance, where Pat tripped Tom in order to meet him. Pat only smiled at this story.

Pat continued her social activities while at Seaside. She was often seen wheeling through the hallways in her wheelchair visiting with many fellow patients, many of whom did not otherwise receive visitors. This was important to Pat.

Pat was predeceased by her sisters Priscilla and Yvonne, and brothers Burt, Rudy, and Gene.

Surviving are four children, her daughter, Maureen and husband Michael Muccino of Wiscasset, sons Dick and wife Gina (Donatelle) of Naples, Fla., William and wife Michelle (Tetreau) of Westbrook, and Thomas of Augusta; 12 grandchildren, Darin, Christian, Michelle, Danielle, Lindsey, Kristina, Meghann, Jennifer, Sean, Sara, Tom and Nicole; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Pat will best be remembered as a wonderful mother and wife, who loved her husband, Tom, and cherished her family and friends. Visiting with her grandchildren brought her tremendous joy.

The family wishes to thank Seaside Heathcare for the kind and gentle care given to our beloved Pat during her stay over the past years.

Services will be on Thursday, March 7 with a visiting hour to begin at 11 a.m. and the funeral service to follow at 12 p.m., both at A.T. Hutchins Funeral Home, 660 Brighton Ave., Portland. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

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