Patricia E. Brissette

The forest at Wrack Meadow seems a little quieter today, its birds singing soft beautiful notes of farewell. Patricia (DeGroat) Brissette of Boylston, MA, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home on November 25th. Patricia (Pat, Teash) was beloved to her family and friends, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sibling, aunt, cousin, and friend. She also made lasting
contributions to her community as a science teacher, civic volunteer, and conservationist. Words cannot express how deeply Patricia will be missed.
Pat was born on August 14, 1946, in Cooperstown, New York. She remained a New Yorker, living in Cobleskill, Hamburg and Stamford, before leaving in 1964 to attend college at Clark University, in Worcester, Massachusetts. It was at Clark that she met Francis (Fran) Brissette, the love of her life. Patricia and Francis graduated from Clark in 1967 (Francis) and 1968 (Patricia), and were married in 1968. They were lucky to be able to share so many of life's adventures together, celebrating their 57th anniversary on August 24th.
A resident of Boylston since 1979, Patricia and Fran raised their family there for the past 45 years. An engaged and dedicated member of her community, Patricia served as a Trustee of the Boylston Town Library, and held multiple roles on the Library Foundation, including a stint as CEO and President. She also served as the Foundation's Treasurer for over 25 years. Politically active up until her passing, Patricia ran caucuses for her political party and served as a state delegate. A life-long learner and teacher, Patricia taught science in the Leicester, Shrewsbury and Wachusett school districts. She, along with Fran, remained active in the Clark University Alumni Association and she instilled a passion for learning and education to her children, grandchildren and everyone she taught.
Patricia had a deep passion for life and an even deeper passion for her family. She was a true nurturer–to her loved ones and to her gardens. She loved family gatherings and celebrations more than anything else. Teash and Fran were a constant presence at baptisms, confirmations, weddings, picnics, graduations–woven into the permanent fabric of so many of the moments in life that truly matter. Pat's love for human connection and conversation meant she was always one of the last to leave any event.
Patricia was predeceased by her parents Arthur DeGroat and Catherine (Flannery) DeGroat and siblings Robert DeGroat and Stephen DeGroat. She is survived by her loving husband, Francis, daughter Aria and her children Paige and Kyle, her eldest son, Ian, daughter in-law Renee and their children Lauren and Ryan and youngest son, Adam, daughter in-law Alison and their
children Quincy and Jack. She is also survived by her brothers Michael and John, sister Catherine and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Pat's notes always ended with her favorite John Muir quote: "The sun shines not on us, but in us". Please take comfort in knowing her own inner light will continue to warm and nurture all those she loved–and all who loved her.
Relatives and Friends are cordially invited to attend visiting hours at the Chiampa Funeral Home, 5 Church Road, on the Common, Shrewsbury Center, on Friday, November 28th. from 4:00 - 7:00 pm. Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Mary of the Hills Church, 630 Cross Street, Boylston, on Saturday, November 29th. at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pat's honor to the Boylston Public Library Foundation. Checks can be sent to: BPLF, Inc., PO Box 102, Boylston, MA 01505 or made online with their annual appeal: https://givebutter.com/S7b9u7
Those attending the mass are asked to go directly to church.