Obituary of Patricia G. Bartlett

On September 8, 2021, Patricia G. Bartlett, loving daughter, sister, friend, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-aunt and matriarch to a close-knit, extended family, passed away peacefully at the age of 91. She was at home surrounded by her family in her favorite place in Surry, Maine on a beautiful, sunny September afternoon.  

Patricia was born on January 15, 1930, to Estelle and Harold Gibbons of Spring Street Court in Brewer, Maine, now renamed Gibbons Court. Her father loved the outdoors and summers were filled with picnic suppers prepared by Estelle, and Sunday trips to the ocean in Surry. Patricia attended Brewer High School and maintained important, lifelong friendships with her classmates. She was especially close to her three siblings, older sisters Eleanore (Ellie) and Elaine and younger brother Robert (Bobby). The four siblings remained steadfastly close throughout their lives, at one point all sharing a home together during winters in Gulfstream, Florida.

Patricia was married to Tom Walsh with whom she had her six children: Michael, Mark, Mary, Billy, Suzy and Patrick. When their children were young, they purchased a summer camp in Surry where Patricia’s father had taken them for Sunday swims. Patricia and her children spent every summer at their “Red Camp” in Maine alongside Patricia’s siblings, their children, and later grandchildren, establishing a beloved, generational home where all could gather and spend time as family to this day.

Patricia loved to see the world and experience new cultures with friends and family. She traveled all over Europe and visited Alaska, Canada, Cuba, Iran, Israel, and Russia. Patricia loved biking, golf, long walks with her sisters, mystery novels, and listening and singing to music. In 1982 she married Dana Bartlett and the two split their time between Stuart, Florida and Maine, where they enjoyed fishing, boat trips, and visits from their family.

Faith played a very important role in Patricia’s life and she found great comfort and solace in the Catholic Church all her days.

By far Patricia’s greatest joy and her pride in life was her role as matriarch to her family. A dedicated and devoted mother through her last days, a warm and loving aunt, and the most cherished grandmother to her 16 grandchildren. She could be counted on to be at every birthday, graduation, recital, and religious right of passage with words of wisdom, a warm smile and big hug.

Patricia was predeceased by her daughter Mary; her father, Harold; her mother Estelle; her husband Dana; and her beloved sisters Eleanore and Elaine. She is survived by her brother Robert and his wife Starr Gibbons of Surry, Maine; her children: Michael Walsh of Deerfield Beach, Florida, Mark and Rebecca Walsh of Gulfstream, Florida, Billy Walsh of Delray Beach, Florida, Joseph and Suzanne (Walsh) Lanigan of Gulfstream, Florida, and Patrick and Karen Walsh of Naples, Florida. Patricia also is survived by her 16 grandchildren: Bethany, Jason, Michael, Jenna, Tricia, Michelle, Anna, Kathleen, Thomas, Caroline, John-Patrick, Camron, Sean, Emma, Erin, and Neale, as well as seven great-grandchildren Madison, Tyler, Tess, Enzo, Sofia, Sage, and Romi.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her memory to Birthline/Lifeline, 212 E Boynton Beach Blvd, Boynton Beach, FL 33435 or at www.ccdpb.org/get-involved/donate.html. Select Birthline/Lifeline in the Event, Program or Ministry field and in the In Memory of field please list Patricia Bartlett. Donations may also be sent by check made out to Northern Light Hospice at 50 Foden Road, South Portland, ME 04106.

A private family service will be held in celebration of her life. Messages and memories may be shared with the family at kileyandfoley.com.

Arrangements by Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, Bangor and Brewer.