Patrice Bisha-Valencia passed away peacefully on Saturday evening, November 22, 2025, at Rose Monahan Hospice Home in Worcester, following a sudden illness. At her side were her husband of 47 years, William “Skip” Valencia Jr., and her loving sister and brother-in-law, Claudia and David Ferretti.
Pat was born in Hudson in 1952 to Patsy Bisha and Marjorie Prouty. She lived in the same home with her husband for over 40 years in Worcester by Little Indian Lake. She loved celebrating the holidays with family and friends at their home. Pat is survived by her sister, Claudia, and her husband, David Ferretti of Merrimack, NH; and four nieces: Geraldine Ferretti-Berrios of Tewksbury, MA, Alana McLaughlin of Nashua, NH; Amberle Ferretti of Merrimack, NH; and Cally Valencia of North Carolina; along with 11 grand-nieces and nephews.
Pat attended Burncoat High School and Quinsigamond Community College, and later graduated from Assumption College in 1978 with a degree in English. She aspired to be a reporter and writer, and worked for the Whitinsville Newspaper, Milford Daily News, MetroWest Magazine, and later at Digital. She returned to Quinsigamond Community College from 2007–2021, where she co-coordinated the publication of The Open Door, the school newspaper. She mentored many young adults in writing and publishing throughout the years. Pat also spent time working for Catholic Charities, helping individuals earn their GEDs.
In 1995, Pat founded an organic cotton clothing company called “Cotton America.” She loved her cats, books, and flowers, and cherished mentoring her students. She could often be found in her special sunroom, reading with her cats by her side. Pat enjoyed many happy days with family and friends on Martha’s Vineyard in the late 1980s through the early 2000s, making memories that will be treasured forever.
She will be deeply missed by many. “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.”
A Celebration of Life will be held in May 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rose Monahan Hospice Home, 10 Judith Road, Worcester, MA 01602, or to the Alzheimer’s Association, or to a charity of your choice.