Esther Patricia "Patty" Maxson

1921 - 2017

Groton - Esther Patricia "Patty" Maxson, of 960 Shennecossett Road., Groton, died peacefully at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017, surrounded by her children.

Patty was born in Groton, on Feb. 16, 1921, the daughter of the late Minnie Esther Spicer and Marcus Henry Trail. She graduated in 1939 from Fitch High School and attended the New London Business College.

Patty was the beloved wife of the late Norman E. Maxson, whom she married on Sept. 14, 1940. Norm and Patty celebrated decades of happy years together before she lost her soulmate just shy of their 67th wedding anniversary. She was the loving mother of their children, Judith P. Walsh (husband, Donald) of Groton, N. Bradford Maxson (wife, Cristina) of London, England and Jonathan M. Maxson (wife, Theresa) of Mystic.

She leaves her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Robin Walsh Mallove (husband, James) and her children, Joshua, Maxwell and Kate; Suzanne Walsh Erno and her children, Isabelle and Quinn; Kevin Walsh and his children, Mackenzie and Zoe; Heather Walsh Gianacoplos (husband, Alex) and her children, Charlie, Julian and Graeme; Scott Maxson; Todd Maxson and his children, McKenna and Max; and Trista Maxson. She also leaves three stepgrandchildren: Korina Dacunto (husband, Larry) and her daughters, Kayla and Allie; Chris Choi (wife, Lori) and his daughters, Amanda Denson (grandchildren Payton and Freyja), Brianna Broskey (granddaughter, Chloe), and Kyle Choi; and Lisa Choi (grandchildren, Zachery and Camille).

Patty's siblings, Spicer Trail, "Betty" Jacobson, John Trail and Richard Trail all predeceased her.

Patty was a strong woman. Her strength of character was notable. She knew exactly "who she was", but was never judgmental. She was always there to support others during their personal journeys and was an encouraging voice in helping them to find their own paths. She maintained amazing balance in her day-to-day life. "Moderation in everything" was her motto – she worked hard, but also took the time to embrace nature, her family, and her friends. She woke up early every day with a plan, and she valued every minute of her own time. Her self-discipline was extraordinary. If she made the effort to do something, you could be sure that it would be done right - and exquisitely. A true matriarch.

She was a person who truly enjoyed life and made sure to find the time to experience the things that were meaningful to her. Patty was a passionate gardener and a member of the Rake and Trowel Trillium Garden Clubs for over 50 years. She had a strong love of the ocean, and enjoyed boating. She was an avid traveler, exploring many countries around the world. She loved to read, and self-educated herself throughout her life. For many years she was a volunteer at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, a member of the Needlework Guild of America, the Anna Warner Bailey Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and she was a Red Cross volunteer.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Patty's dear and faithful friend, Marge Moore, to the staff at Mystic Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, and to the nursing staff at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital for the exceptional kindness and care shown to both Patty and her family.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Feb. 18, 2017, at the Byles-Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames St., Groton. Private interment will be in Colonel Ledyard Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends from 2 p.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Patty's memory may be made to New London Community Meal Center, 12 Montauk Ave., New London, CT 06320 or Groton Food Locker, 2 Fort Hill Road, Groton, CT 06340.

Please visit www.byles.com to sign the guest book or share a memory.