Patricia Kodzis

Patricia Kodzis passed away peacefully of natural causes on January 21st 2026 at the age of 92 surrounded by her family and friends.

Born December 16, 1933 Paticia Kodzis was the fourth daughter of Thomas and Louise Quigley in Chelsea, Ma. She adored and looked up to her three siblings Mary, Louise and Lorraine. That love and affection was the start of a long history of being the core connector for her nieces and nephews.

Pat, lived in Chelsea her fist 37 years. In high school at the age of 15, she came across this handsome young lad who was the hall safety officer, Ed Kodzis. It was love at first sight for both. Pat would tell stories about telling her mother she was going on her first date with Ed. She asked about his last name, when she heard Kodzis, her mom grabbed her head with both hands and cried your dating a mad Russian, of course Ed was Polish. As the years went on Ed became the son that her mother never had and lived under the same roof until Louise passed in 1976.

Pat's three sisters were all nurses, that would not be the course for her, she decided to become an educator. She attended Boston University and graduated suma cum laude from the school of education and later a master's degree in education from Boston College. The beginning and end of her teaching career would be in Melrose Ma. She held numerous positions from 7th grade history teacher, junior high counselor, high school director of guidance and lastly principal of the junior high school until her retirement. She loved kids! She loved the ones who were rough around the edges and were struggling, that was her sweet spot. She was tough, demanding, loving and supportive of her students. She knew how to speak to them with respect and in turn she was respected. It was not unusual to walk around Melrose and find someone to say Mrs. Kodzis was my favorite teacher or she helped me so much when I was in trouble.

Her biggest love was her family. Starting with her husband Ed. If there was a match in heaven made this was the one, they only spent a week apart their whole marriage. They moved to Melrose in 1970 where they raised three sons who all graduated from Melrose High School. They loved their nieces and nephews as much as their three children. Memories are abundant for taking them skiing and camping to summers on the Cape. Her love of the holidays was shared by all. Thanksgivings to Christmas eve to just the old fashion Sunday dinners. This love for her family continued until her passing. There was no bigger fan of her nieces and nephews, it did not take long for her to start bragging about one of them. In turn she was considered the favorite aunt, Aunt Patty, Aunt Patrish the one you called, to feel better about yourself.

Pat spent the last 16 years, since her husband's death split between California with her son Kevin's family and Cape Cod. She delighted in her 6 grandchildren. She got more than her fill of sports not missing many games from lacrosse, baseball, tennis, football, soccer, field hockey and her favorite Basketball. More than anything she loved watching her granddaughter Karly play basketball. She was a huge supporter of title 9 and women's sports. She held education to the highest standard for her grandchildren, encouraging them to get their college degrees and was there to participate in their graduations.

Cape Cod was her happy place! She kept busy. If she wasn't walking her 2-3 miles a day to the beach rain or shine, she was at a book club, golfing or having cocktails with her newly formed Widow's club. After Ed's passing, she decided to start a Widow's club, to help deal with grieving women and help with that transition. That was a blessing to so many. The Cape was always filled with cookouts and dinners with her nieces and nephews. Her son Kevin and his family would always vacation for a couple weeks on the Cape and that filled her with nonstop activity in the house. Memories of her sitting out in the backyard sipping on tea reading the paper and giving advise are endless.

Her last two years were spent at Clearwater Assisted living in North Tustin California by her son Kevins. Being pragmatic as she always was, she knew she needed more assistance. Well, being the witty smart lady she was, she became known as Boston Pat quickly. Making new friendships, playing cards, daily walks and exercise classes kept her busy. A favorite of the staff she would try her best to communicate in kindness to each one of them daily, even trying out some words in Spanish.

Patricia leaves behind her a legacy and champion of family and family values. A strong family meant you were going to have a strong community. If you were in trouble that is when her wisdom and kindness would shine through. At the end her body just could not keep up with her will. We are all a bit better at having her as part of our lives.
Patricia was preceded in death by her husband Edward Kodzis and her daughter Petrie Kodzis. She is survived by her son Edward Kodzis Jr of Canton Ma and his wife Cheryl and grandchildren Kaitlyn, Brian and Kyle. Son Kevin Kodzis of North Tustin, CA his wife Lynne and grandchildren Karly, Kevin Jr and Trevor. Her 10 nieces and nephews, Thomas, Maureen, Mairead, Patty Ann, David/Jay, Michael, Ann, Clare, John and Christopher.

In lieu of flower please make donation to
McDonalds Homeless Ministry/Trinity United Presbyterian Church
13922 Prospect Ave
Santa Ana, CA 92705