BERWICK- Patricia Ellen (Taylor) Seward, age 74, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2017 in York, Maine. Born on the first day of Spring 1943, Pat was the eldest of nine children of the late William and Alice (Doyle) Taylor. She grew up in Wakefield MA, and helped raise her younger siblings George, Elaine, Paul, Elizabeth, Barbara, Martha, Leo, and June. She was a smart and curious child who excelled at school and loved nature. Pat attended Wakefield High School then studied political science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Pat’s beloved children Andrea, Alison, and John inherited their mother’s sense of humor and love of the outdoors; they shared many wonderful experiences over the years. Their respective marriages to Doug Brophy, James Brock, and Emily Worthley brought into this world the absolute joys of Pat’s later life, her six grandchildren: Liam and Julia Brophy, Aesa and Boden Brock, and Emma and Owen Seward. “GG” cherished her grandkids and did anything to make them smile and feel loved. In turn, the grandkids adored GG and had so many fun times with her, especially cooking meals, picking blueberries, and playing on the beach.
In the 1980s Pat studied marine biology at Northeastern University and started volunteering at the New England Aquarium in Boston. She was soon hired as a marine mammal trainer, training sea lions and dolphins for interactive and educational exhibitions. She later went on to oversee the care and rehabilitation of stranded seals, whales, porpoises, and turtles. Her children keenly remember the exciting times when Pat would keep stranded seal pups in their bathtub for round-the-clock care until they could be transported safely to the aquarium.
While at the aquarium, Pat started many great friendships, some lasting more than 30 years. On an aquarium-related trip to Florida, she met fellow marine enthusiast Sara Ellis. This led to 25 years of adventures together, including travel to New Mexico, Europe, the Southeast, and most recently, New Orleans. In 1995, they created and operated the Mermaid’s Garden Bed & Breakfast in Nova Scotia, delighting weary travelers with hearty breakfasts for five years. Pat’s legendary fishcakes and Boston baked beans were even featured in Frommer’s Guide to Nova Scotia. After closing the B&B, they moved to Maine to be closer to their families.
Pat was an exceptional cook and hostess, as well as a generous and thoughtful friend. She had a knack for making any occasion seem special. She will live on in the hearts of those who loved her, especially when they look out at the ocean, cook one of her great recipes, or share wonderful memories.
Condolence messages can be submitted online at www.mainefuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the York Hospital or the New England Aquarium.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com