Patricia A. Hillyard

Patricia A. Hillyard obituary, Watertown, NY

Patricia A. Hillyard

Patricia Hillyard Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Hart & Bruce Funeral Home - Watertown on Oct. 17, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

Patricia A. Hillyard, 90, of Watertown, NY, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2025, at the Jefferson County Hospice Residence at the Ellis Farm.
She was born on January 31, 1935, in Watertown, New York, the daughter of Roy and Rita (Roe) Merritt. Patricia attended Watertown High School and went on to work at several local establishments throughout her life. She was a cashier at the former Woolworths in Watertown, worked at the Victory Diner, and later spent seven years as a bagger at Price Chopper until her retirement.
Patricia enjoyed reading and playing bingo and was deeply devoted to her family.
She is survived by her two sons, Mickey S. (Lorri) Tavani of Watertown and Mark A. Tavani and his companion, Johnny Cash Eaton of NY; a daughter, Cynthia L. Doolittle of Watertown; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Patricia was predeceased by a daughter, Lori L. Tavani, three sons, Donald, Roy, and Kim Hillyard; and two sisters, June McCue and Arlene O'Neill,
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, October 21st from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Hart & Bruce Funeral Home 117 N. Massey St., Watertown. Burial will be held in Brownville Cemetery at a later date.
Donations in her memory may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County 1398 Gotham St., Watertown, NY 13601
Online condolences may be made at www.hartandbrucefh.com.
To send flowers
to the family, please visit our floral store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Patricia's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Patricia Hillyard's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Patricia Hillyard's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?