Patricia G. Coulombe slipped the bonds of this world and joined her late husband of 56 years, Roger J-L Coulombe, two daughters Aimee L. Chadbourne and Leona M. Coulombe, three sisters Kathleen Fitzpatrick, Mary Connolly, Virginia Corey, three brothers Terrence Fitzpatrick, John Fitzpatrick and James Fitzpatrick, and her parents John and Winifred (Walsh) Fitzpatrick in eternity on January 3, 2024. She will be forever missed by her son and daughter, Paul G. Coulombe and Anne Calder, as well as her five grandchildren and three great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and countless friends, colleagues, and students whose lives she touched with her love, dedication, kindness, generosity of spirit, humor and knowledge.
Born of two Irish immigrants when the Irish ‘need not apply,’ and having lost her father at a young age to illness, she understood all too well the hunger, deprivation and isolation of poverty. She was one of seven children of a young widow who worked multiple jobs to feed her family and provide a home in one of Boston’s poorest neighborhoods without any assistance. Regardless of this, she remained untainted by her circumstances, full of hope and charity. Along with her siblings, she carved out a bright future based on the unaided pursuit of higher education, personal achievement, and grit.
A gifted writer and poet, and possessing an uncommon understanding of finance based on her interest and natural curiosity, she could have pursued many career disciplines given the opportunity. After working multiple jobs to attain her Bachelor of Arts and Master’s Degree at Boston State College, now the University of Massachusetts Boston, she chose to give back to Boston’s inner-city children in need. She dedicated her life to educating and advancing Boston’s youth as a Lead Teacher and Literacy Specialist. Not only did she work miracles in the classroom, bringing students with learning challenges up to grade level and beyond, she won them over with her kindness. She mentored them to rise above their personal challenges and achieve their dreams as she did. She was a constant in their lives, caring for and supporting them as she did her own four children. Throughout their youth, her children recall asking her to stay home on snowy days when she had to commute into Boston on dangerous roads. Before braving the drive, she would explain “I have to be there for my other kids too. You have me seven days per week, but they need my days Monday through Friday.” This spoke so truly of how she lived her life, giving of herself wholly to take care of everyone. In addition to her contributions in the classroom, she wrote numerous grants that brought in millions of dollars for the betterment of Boston Public Schools. She gave of her time, love and knowledge selflessly, and was a tireless contributor to social justice and diversity, equity and inclusion long before these movements had a name. Due to her great expertise, tireless dedication, and positive impact, she was awarded Boston Public Schools Educator of the Year and finished her career as a Lead Teacher and literacy specialist.
Whether in or outside of the classroom, Pat toiled selflessly for her family, friends, students, mother, aunt, and uncle from the time she opened her eyes in the morning until she closed them at night. She was never dissuaded from her mission to help others no matter the challenges or personal sacrifices. She nurtured and cared for her husband and children, and visited her mother, aunt and uncle each weekend to assist them with their needs. With her loving husband, she raised and educated four children in the Catholic faith, striving to provide them every opportunity that she lacked growing up. She was a devout Catholic and attended mass without fail, despite everything on her plate and periods of illness. She gave so much to everyone in her life while she struggled with long-term health issues resulting from her impoverished youth. She never dwelled on, complained about, nor let them stop her. She just pushed through them like a champion and gave of her time and energy selflessly to others. She was a shining example to us in terms of her love, fortitude, humility, positivity and generosity.
For all us who knew and loved Pat, the world now is a colder, darker, emptier place without her bright light, incredible example, and generous spirit. In our grief we seek solace, reminding ourselves that she’s in heaven with her beloved husband, daughters, family and friends who’ve passed, reinvigorated, and watching over us with her fierce dedication and love. Yet, we will miss her dearly, and keenly mourn her absence from our lives, every moment of every day, until we’re blessed to be with her again.
Patricia’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the teams at Life Care Center in West Bridgewater and Bristol Hospice in Fall River for their exceptional care and kindness.
Her Funeral Mass, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be celebrated on Saturday, January 13th at 11:30 A.M. in Saint Mary’s Church, 330 Pratt Street (Route 106) Mansfield. Burial will follow at Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Mansfield.
Visiting hours have been omitted.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home, 55 North Main Street, Mansfield.
To send her family a message of condolence, please visit
www.shermanjackson.com