Patricia Eileen (Terrio) O’Neil, 72, peacefully passed into eternal rest on Friday, May 22nd at Royal Nursing Center in Falmouth, MA after a long illness.
Born in Worcester, the daughter of William and Eileen Terrio, Patricia was a lifelong resident of the city, later moving to Cape Cod to be under the devoted and unwavering care of her sisters, who ensured her final years were filled with comfort and constant love.
Patricia’s life was deeply rooted in family, a value shaped from her earliest days growing up in her large Irish Catholic family on Genoa Street in Columbus Park. In that close-knit neighborhood, surrounded by siblings, cousins, friends, and upheld by the constant presence of loved ones, she developed a lasting foundation of faith, family, and kindness – a foundation she carried with her throughout her life and shared generously with everyone she met.
A graduate of South High School and Quinsigamond Community College, Patricia dedicated most of her career to UMass Memorial Medical Center, where she served in a variety of roles, ranging from unit secretary in the NICU to surgical scheduler in the Day Surgery department. She was known throughout the hospital for her compassion and genuine kindness, touching the lives of patients, colleagues, and physicians alike with her steady care and warm presence.
In addition to her parents, Patricia was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 43 years, Philip; her cherished boys, Brendon John and Matthew Philip; sister Anne-Marie Benson; sister-in-law Linda Terrio; brothers-in-law Jay O’Neil and Leonard O’Leary. Her family finds great comfort in knowing she is reunited with them in Heaven.
She is survived by her siblings William L. Terrio (Susan) of Scottsdale, AZ; Kathleen M. O’Leary of Mashpee, MA; Timothy M. Terrio of Mashpee, MA; and Margaret M. Terrio Lawler of Harwich, MA. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Karen O’Neil of Yarmouth Port, MA; brother-in-law, William R. Benson of Worcester; and many nieces and nephews who loved their Auntie Tricia dearly.
Funeral services were held privately, and Patricia was laid to eternal rest at St. John’s Cemetery with her cherished boys. Tricia will be remembered for her warmth, resilience, outgoing personality, and the love she shared so generously with family and friends. Those wishing to honor her memory are encouraged to do so by showing kindness and love to those closest to you.
O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue assisted the family with arrangements.