Patricia "Pat" Jean Neal

Patricia (Pat) Jean Neal, 71, beloved wife, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, died peacefully on October 12, 2025 after a long illness with heart disease. Born on March 12, 1954, in Aurora, Missouri, Pat lived and grew-up in Missouri, Texas, Kansas, and Minnesota, before moving to Massachusetts and New Hampshire with her husband John.

Pat graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. She worked as a lab scientist in both Galveston and Houston, TX. After a short detour as a merchant marine, she completed her career as a scientist with 30 years of service to MatTek Life Sciences, a biotechnology company in Ashland, MA. Her daily three+ hour commute, in her trusty Toyota Tacoma truck, provided time for contemplation, listening to audio books, and learning the byways.

Pat was the daughter of an athlete, college hall-of-fame football player, teacher and coach. Pat always made time for sports. She was awarded a President’s Council on Physical Fitness Award at age 12, played intramural sports in high school and was a founding member of the first women’s soccer team at the U of MN. In Galveston, TX she played rugby and helped form the UFO adult women’s traveling soccer team. There was also time for adventures in caving, TaiChi, and international travel — spending time in at least 7 countries. Her mother contributed to her love of music, creativity and an amazing aptitude for detail.

Becoming active in the United Methodist Church and making new friends was a skill-set that served Pat well throughout her life. Pat’s church involvement was deep, wide and never ending. She was active in United Methodist Women and Church Women United throughout the New England Conference. She left behind a legacy of chairing committees, participating in annual School of Missions gatherings and met both regionally and nationally with other activist women of the church. Friendships multiplied.

In her local Wesley UMC in Concord, she likely chaired most every committee at least once, sang in the choir, played handbells, and made sure the annual flower sale fundraiser came off without a hitch. Pat regularly volunteered overnight with a homeless family as the church hosted Family Promise. Pat was not only a leader in the church but dedicated her life to actively living her faith. In her own words, “I felt I could make a difference by serving others.” She did so quietly, unpretentiously and with big heart. Her actions always spoke louder than her words.

Pat is survived by her husband of 35 years, John Jeskevicius of Weare, NH, her sister Carol, her brother Don (Linda), her nephew Graham, niece Thea (Dan) and their children Finley and Thalia.

SERVICES: A celebration of Pat’s life will be held at a later date at Wesley UMC - Concord. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church - Concord, 79 Clinton Street, Concord, NH 03301 (https://concordwumc.org/donate) or the charity of one’s choice.

In July 2025, Pat had the opportunity to pilgrimage to the sacred site of Iona Abbey, Isle of Iona, Scotland. It was only possible with the love and support of her church community. The family would also like to thank her dear friends Kathy Hamilton and Dawn Haynes and Granite VNA Hospice for their loving care. We bless you on your way home Pat – May you step into the flow of love ~ the love that is the power to create life anew. We love you and support you on your journey! Gone too soon.