Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:
WILMINGTON, MA — Patricia A. “Pat” (Lee) O’Brien, age 85, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2026, surrounded by her family.
Pat was born on March 24, 1941, in Charlestown, MA, to the late Harold Lee and Mary (O’Brien) Lee. After spending her early years in Charlestown, Pat’s family moved to Cottage Street in Wilmington, where she remained for nearly 80 years of her life. Growing up surrounded by her siblings, cousins, and close friends who became like family, Pat developed the deep sense of loyalty and devotion to family that would define her life.
Pat was a strong, independent, and determined woman who faced life’s challenges with courage and resilience. She was tough as nails, never afraid to stand her ground, and always willing to do whatever was necessary for the people she loved. Long before the phrase “girl power” became popular, Pat embodied it. Beneath her strength was a loving and caring heart, and the greatest expression of that love was always her family.
Becoming a mother was one of the most important chapters of Pat’s life. She raised her children in Wilmington, giving them her love, her strength, and her unwavering devotion. Her children were her world, and her love for them never wavered. One of her favorite places to spend time with them was York Beach, Maine. Every summer, Pat brought her children to the beach, where they painted seashells, played in the sand, and enjoyed ice cream together. These summers became treasured family traditions that she continued to share with generations of her family throughout her life.
Pat’s love for her daughter Colleen was a testament to the depth of her devotion as a mother. Pat did everything she could to ensure Colleen experienced as much happiness and joy as possible. Through Colleen, Pat became involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, with Colleen becoming the first wish recipient in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. After Colleen’s passing, Pat continued to support Make-A-Wish for the rest of her life, organizing dances, charity events, and a memorial fund in her daughter’s honor. Her dedication to the organization reflected her generous spirit and her desire to bring hope and happiness to children and families facing difficult circumstances. Her commitment to Make-A-Wish became an enduring part of her legacy.
Although Pat was a devoted mother, her greatest joy continued to grow with each generation of her family. She fiercely loved her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Of all the titles she held, Nana was her favorite. She took immense pride in each of them and made it a priority to be present for the moments that mattered, from school events and sporting games to holidays and family gatherings. She was never shy about showing how proud she was of them, and her family never had to question how much they meant to her.
Pat had a special way of making every holiday and family occasion meaningful. She believed in traditions, in spending time together, and in creating memories that would last a lifetime. Even as her grandchildren grew into adults, traditions such as painting Easter eggs with her remained important because they represented the love and connection she had worked so hard to build. For Pat, these moments were never just about the holiday itself; they were about keeping her family close.
Family was not simply a part of Pat’s life; it was her legacy. She was the matriarch who brought generations together, the steady presence her family could count on, and the woman whose love shaped the family she leaves behind. Her strength, determination, generosity, and fierce devotion will continue to live on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
One of the most meaningful relationships in Pat’s life was the lifelong bond she shared with her sister, Mary. They could often be found together at church or enjoying a conversation over a cup of coffee. Their close relationship was a treasured part of Pat’s life and another reflection of the importance she placed on family.
Pat leaves behind a legacy built on love, strength, and devotion. She taught her family the importance of standing strong through life’s hardships, showing up for the people you love, and making the most of the time spent together. Her presence will be deeply missed, but the traditions she created, the memories she gave her family, and the love she shared across generations will remain forever.
Pat was the beloved wife of the late James E. O’Brien. She was the loving mother of William Carroll and his wife, Kim, of New Hampshire; the late Thomas Carroll of Wilmington; Donna Bourassa and her late husband, Wilfred, of Maine; John Carroll and his wife, Amy, of Wilmington; Maureen Carr and her husband, Nolan, of Wilmington; Patty McAndrew and her husband, John, of New Hampshire; the late Colleen O’Brien of Wilmington; and James O’Brien of Wilmington.
She was the cherished grandmother of David, Bobby, Lisa, Deidre, Leigha, James, Emily, Andrew, Mary, Patrick, and Jake. She was the beloved sister of Mary Costello of Wilmington and the late Harold and Virginia Lee. Pat is also survived by her great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Visiting hours will take place on Wednesday, October 28, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Avenue (Route 62), Wilmington, MA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, October 29, at 10:30 AM at St. Dorothy’s Catholic Church, 11 Harnden Street, Wilmington. Interment will follow at Wildwood Cemetery.
Those who wish to honor Pat’s memory may make a charitable donation to Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island, an organization that remained close to her heart throughout her life.
Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island
133 Federal Street, 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02110
Donations may also be made online at https://wish.org/massri.
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