Patricia M. Gately

Patricia M. (McElhinney) Gately, age 89, passed away on Monday, September 22, 2025. Patricia was the beloved daughter of the late Patrick J. and Margaret T. (McDevitt) McElhinney.
Patricia was born, raised and lived in Woburn her entire life. She met her future husband, George, at Joe's Pizza in the Southend of Woburn when she was just 16 years old. They were married in 1953 and have journeyed together for the last 71 years. Together they built a successful construction company and built a new home on the West side of Woburn in 1963, where she still lived up until her passing. She always said that she never thought she would ever own a house, never mind a new house!
Patricia enjoyed nothing more than spending time with family. She was their cheerleader, friend, counselor and mentor. It was a given that she would host all the holidays. She did all the cooking for Thanksgiving even up until 2024. During the Easter holiday she cooked breakfast for about 30 people and the family (adult children down to the youngest great grandchild) would have an Easter egg hunt that would last for hours. She was a wonderful role model and was always there for her family. There was never a doubt in anyone's mind how much we were loved. She doted on her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She never missed the opportunity to tell everyone that she loved them. Whether it was a quick visit or a telephone call, she always ended the conversation with, "I love you!" She always remembered birthdays and special events with a card emphasizing the love she had for them. She would look for hours to find the right card. Her life was her family. Her children will be forever grateful that she was always so supportive and loving. She always had their backs and was truly the definition of what a mother should be. Her children always came first. Although she was never afraid to speak her mind, she was always available to lend a helping hand or give some welcome (and sometimes unwelcome) advice.
Once her children were school age, she started working as a cashier starting at the A&P in Burlington, before going to Osco's Drug Store in Woburn. She continued to work there through several ownership changes. She loved her customers and enjoyed talking with every one of them. It was there that she bonded with her co-workers, building a lasting friendship to this day. At least once a year they would all get together and go out to dinner.
Patricia is happy to be reunited with the ones she loved; but will be deeply missed by the ones she left behind. She is survived by her husband, George W. Gately Sr. and her five children, William P. (Billy) Gately, Colleen Smith and her husband David, Rhonda Wallace and her husband Doug, George W. Gately Jr. and his wife Lisa and Sean P. Gately Sr. Loving Arma of 15 grandchildren, Shawna (Adam), Erin (Jason), Eric (Kelly), Keira (Matthew), Amber, Douglas, Brittany, George III, Cory (Nicole), Kevin (Kim), Brian (Victoria), Crystal, Tiffany (Tim), Sean Patrick and Jack and 19 great-grandchildren, Devon, Gavin, Hanna, Bella, Aiden, Cassidy, Logan, Noah, Connor, Emma, Abigail, Zoey, Timothy Jr., Hunter, Jaxin, Kevin Jr., Avery, Cory Jr., Ryan and three more on the way! She is also survived by her former daughter-in-law, Mikel Nahas, brother-in-law's Danny (Brenda) Gately and Jerome (Kathy) Gately and many loving nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Patricia sadly was predeceased by her four siblings, Elizabeth Goodhue, Francis McElhinney, Marjorie Regan and Paul McElhinney.
All services were private.