Profile Image
Patricia M. (McCarron) Pettersen
January 06, 2020

Obituary

Patricia (McCarron) Pettersen passed away peacefully after an extended illness on January 6, 2020, in Tewksbury.

Formerly of Groton, Pat was the beloved wife of the late Robert J. Pettersen.

Born in Boston, she was the daughter of the late Lillian “Marie” (Lynch) McCarron. She was the cherished sister of the late Leo D. McCarron and the late Donald A. McCarron.

Pat was raised and educated in Arlington and Cambridge, graduating from St. John’s. Her desire to be a pediatrician led her to pre-med studies at Regis College, from which she graduated in 1957. In her later years, she served as President of the Alumni Association and participated in several reunion planning committees.

While attending medical school in PA, Pat decided that being apart from family was too difficult to bear and she returned home to accept a position as a chemist at Polaroid Corp. There she loved her research work which included the development of instant film products and finding copywrite infringements.

Throughout her childhood, Pat was a competitive swimmer, earning many medals and trophies. Articles and mentions in the newspaper were a point of pride, as she was able to mail them to her older brother Lee, who was serving in the Army in Germany. Pat continued to swim throughout her life, participating in the Senior Olympics for many years. In 1997, she was inducted into the Regis College Athletic Hall of Fame.

Pat loved to travel. She would always have a bag packed, including currencies for multiple countries, so that she could take off at a moment’s notice. Europe, Asia, South America, Russia, the Caribbean, and everywhere in between. Traveling companions included her mother, her husband, her friend Mary, and anyone else that was willing to hop on a boat, a train or a plane with her.

Pat and her husband, Bob, enjoyed many outdoor activities. Their courtship included many group camping trips and hikes through the mountains. She tried skydiving, owned a sailboat, downhill and cross country skied all over the world, learned to shoot, canoe, and scuba dive. Pat was always willing to try something new.

Keeping busy was important to Pat. She loved all types of crafts, decorating her home with many of her own creations. She crafted jewelry, wove baskets, and learned to design and make many of her own clothes. She was an early adopter of the personal computer and enjoyed creating her own greeting cards to send to family and friends. One of her favorite past times was to hunt down a bargain with Bob at Spag’s, Building 19 or even a local church fair.

Pat will be remembered by all those who loved her as a fun-loving, family-oriented, devout soul. She will stay in the hearts of all who knew her.
Survived by her many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, Pat will be honored at services provided by Farmer and Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee Street, Tewksbury, MA. Calling hours are Tuesday, Jan. 14 from 9-11 a.m. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:30 a.m. at St. Williams Church, 1351 Main Street, Route 38, Tewksbury. Interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Tewksbury. In lieu of flowers, donations in Pat’s memory may be made to Alzehimer’s Association, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Content is coming soon...
Farmer & Dee Funeral Home
16 Lee Street
Tewksbury, MA 01876
978-851-7411