Patricia Ruth Kelliher

Patricia Ruth (Austin) Kelliher, of Rockland, passed away peacefully in her own home, surrounded by the love of her family, on her 71st birthday, June 16th, 2021, after facing a series of health challenges with admirable determination and great courage.

Patricia was the beloved wife of Michael D. Kelliher. Together, they shared 40 years of love and devotion. She was the proud and loving mother of her children: Mikaela Kelliher of Rockland, Michael Kelliher Jr. of Rockland, Charles Kelliher of Rockland and Mary Kelliher of Sanford, Maine.

She was the cherished sister of Judith Austin (and her late husband, Edward) of Boston and Deborah (Austin) Newhall and her husband, John, of Kingston.

Patricia also leaves behind many dear brother and sister-in- laws: Janice Kelliher Austin of Rockland, Richard and Karen Kelliher of Bow, N.H, Daniel and Patricia Kelliher of Kingston, David and Judith Kelliher of Taunton, Dean and Elin Kelliher of West Bridgewater, Donald and Patricia Kelliher of Rockland and Leo and Susan Kelliher of Pembroke.

Patricia was the daughter of the late Charles and Ruth (Turner) Austin and was raised in Rockland, where she continued to reside most of her life. Patricia's path as a lifelong learner began in Rockland. Following graduation from Rockland High School, where she was involved in many aspects of school life: class officer, National Honor Society member and cheerleading to name a few, she attended and graduated from the University of New Hampshire. Her educational pursuits continued to the Universities of New Mexico and Connecticut, earning her Masters of Education degree, with varying certifications and leading to a teaching career. More recently, she was a dedicated 15 year Walmart employee.

She was very passionate and involved in the family's parish, Holy Family Church, from the many activities and committees on which she served while her children attended grade school at Holy Family School, to participating in regular bible studies and serving as a Eucharistic minister. During the years her children attended Cardinal Spellman High School, Patricia was active in the P.T.A. and volunteered frequently. It pleased her to listen to the rosary on tape or cd as she did her housework. She was dedicated to the church and living a life enriched by her faith. She was very involved in the Friends of the Unborn and participated in the Walk for Life in Washington, DC. She enjoyed collecting recipes and cooking, reading a wide variety of literature, listening to and creating music, whether it be singing or playing her piano or guitar. She continued her family's passion and appreciation of gardening and flowers, which she passed on to her children, especially beautiful pink peonies and blue hydrangeas. Patricia also found pleasure through many of the creative arts, including quilting by hand and knitting. She stayed connected with her numerous friendships she formed along life's journey. She will be loved and missed by many.

Patricia's greatest source of pride and joy was her loving family and the countless memorable times spent together: regular family camping trips and family get aways, special time spent at her family's Humarock cottage, yearly trips to the home of a longtime family friend at Pitchwood Island on Lake Winnipesaukee, watching movies, the special traditions of Thanksgivings and Christmases spent with her sisters and their families and the lively Kelliher family gatherings. If Patricia was with Mike and her children, she was "incandescently happy".

The family invites friends and loved ones to the Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home, located at 135 Union Street in Rockland on Sunday, June 27th from 4-7 p.m. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, June 28th at Holy Family Church in Rockland at 9:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Holy Family Cemetery in Rockland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in memory of Patricia Kelliher, to Dana Farber Cancer Institute to support cancer research and patient care at:

Dana Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box #849168, Boston, MA. 02284 or via www.dana-farber.org/gift

OR

Friends of the Unborn, PO Box #692246, Quincy, MA. 02269-2246 or via www.friendsoftheunborn.org/donate