PATRICIA MARIE (HOLMES) DALY (Patty, Pat) of Braintree, MA at the age of 83. A daughter, sister, aunt, wife, and friend passed away peacefully at Beth Israel Hospital Milton on October 14, 2025, surrounded by love. Patty was predeceased by her parents, Rita and Norman Holmes (Somerville), her sister Rita Moore (Milton), and her husband Philip of Braintree. She is survived by her brother Stephen (Cathy) Holmes of Albany, NY, and her sister Norma Nighelli of Woburn, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Patty and Philip traveled a great deal with their many friends, enjoying cruising and making many, many trips to Disney. Patty was a voracious reader and enjoyed her visits to the local library. She enjoyed gardening and loved visiting the casino occasionally.
Patty retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield after 23 years as a Utilization Review Administrator. During her time at BC/BS, she was presented with two awards for her leadership in recovering over $15M in fraudulent claims by providers. After retirement, Patty took a different path and found her true avocation as a nature photographer. She started out by photographing swans at Pond Meadow in Braintree and her career as a professional nature photographer began. During this time, Patty became involved with the Dominican Institute of the Arts (DIA). This organization is a grassroots collaboration of sisters, friars, laity, and associates (which was Patty's affiliation) of the Order of Preachers committed to preaching through the arts. Patty recently served as President of this organization for seven years. She loved every minute of serving as DIA President, utilizing her amazing organizational skills as well as communicating daily with various members. In July, at the Annual Gathering of DIA, Patty was awarded the Fra Angelico Award. This is the highest honor bestowed upon a member and is presented every year to a DIA artist who exemplifies Fra Angelico's dedication to furthering Holy Preaching through art. Patty was unable to attend the Gathering due to health issues, but she was shocked to be presented with this award (as she was part of the nominating committee for this year's award). Patty's selection for this award was a well-kept secret and genuinely surprised her beyond belief.This recognition boosted her spirit tremendously and gave her a new-found strength to deal with her health issues. Sadly, those health issues became impossible to overcome. Life did come full circle for Patty. She received the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick by the same priest who presided at her marriage to Philip 53 years ago. She resigned herself to the end of this journey called life and went out like a candle.
As per her wishes, there would be no funeral or wake. A Mass of Remembrance will be celebrated at the Dominican Motherhouse. In Patty's memory, donations may be sent to:
Dominican Institute for the Arts, C/O Sister Elizabeth Slenker, OP, 9921 Benson Avenue, Saint Ann, MO 63074. Al contributions will help DIA members to attend the annual Gathering and retreat in July.