Patricia Ann Gallivan

Patricia Ann Gallivan, age 90, a devoted educator and retired Elementary School Principal, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026, at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital in Vero Beach, Florida. Mrs. Gallivan was predeceased by her beloved husband, Richard Girard Gallivan.

Born August 1, 1935 in Barre, Vermont, Patricia spent her childhood in New London, Connecticut, where she attended Saint Mary’s Parochial School and Williams Memorial Institute, graduating in 1953. She went on to pursue her lifelong passion for education, attending Saint Joseph College in West Hartford, Connecticut, and later receiving her bachelor’s degree from Eastern Connecticut State University in 1971, followed by her master’s degree in 1975 from the University of Connecticut. Her commitment to academic excellence earned her placement on the Dean’s List at both institutions. Mrs. Gallivan also earned a Certification in Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of Connecticut in 1978.

Mrs. Gallivan’s professional career in education spanned twenty-six years, including eleven years serving as an Elementary School Principal, where she inspired both students and faculty alike. She served in the Ledyard, Connecticut school system at Juliet Long and Gallup Hill Elementary Schools, and in Rhode Island at Hope Valley School in Hopkinton and South Road School in South Kingstown. Her dedication to learning and leadership left a lasting impact on the many communities she served.

Patricia found joy in life’s simple pleasures, including gardening, bird watching, golfing, and spending time outdoors. She was a member of the Audubon Society. Above all, her greatest joy was her family. She cherished her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother, taking great pride in staying closely connected to each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Gallivan is survived by her three sons, three stepchildren, twelve grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren. Her sons are George McLaughlin of Santa Ana, California; Brian McLaughlin of Bangkok, Thailand; and Geoffrey McLaughlin of Sedona, Arizona. Her stepchildren are Michael Gallivan of Victor, Idaho; Susan Hayward of North Kingstown, Rhode Island; and Julie Gallivan Parker of Hardwick, Vermont. She was predeceased by her stepson Christopher Gallivan and two grandchildren.

Surviving also are several siblings—A. Kevin McTigue of Old Lyme, Connecticut; Margaret Aldinger of Melbourne, Florida; and Monica Knaff of Groton, Connecticut—as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Ceremony is planned for June 27th in Westerly, Rhode Island. A graveside service at St. Sebastian Cemetery, 12 Cobblestone Lane, will be held at 10:00 AM, followed by a Celebration of Life luncheon at The Haversham House, 336 Post Road, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and share in honoring Patricia’s life.

For those planning to attend, please contact George McLaughlin at 714-743-6249 or [email protected], as a headcount is required for the luncheon.