HAVERHILL -- Patricia Ann McGonigle, 58, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011, at her home surrounded by her family, after a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born in Methuen on March 19, 1952, and named Patricia for the proximity of her birth to St. Patrick’s Day. She raised in Methuen and graduated from Tenney High School in 1971. She went on to work for several companies over the years, and for the past 16 years, she worked at Nevins Nursing Home in Methuen in accounts and billing.
Patricia enjoyed the beautifully simple things in life. She loved the outdoors -- tending to her gardens, working in her yard and watching the many animals that would venture into the meadow behind her home. She loved animals and would sometimes go to the MSPCA to visit with the pets there, occasionally taking one home. She liked to shop and had an amazingly generous nature. She loved to laugh, with a vibrant sense of humor. She enjoyed sweets. She spoke boldly and bluntly, she loved intensely, and she devoted her life and spirit to her family. For them, the world is a changed place without her presence, her strength and her laughter.
Patricia is survived by the love of her life and partner of more than 30 years Frank A. Noto of Haverhill; her sons Sean M. Dugan of Haverhill and Bryan T. McGonigle of Haverhill; her father Robert H. McGonigle and his wife Barbara of Methuen; her sister Linda J. Saitta and her husband Daniel of Dracut; her brothers Robert D. McGonigle and his wife Carol of Tucson, Ariz., David A. McGonigle and his wife Adelia of Rochester, N.H., and Gary S. McGonigle of Methuen; her nieces Candice M. Richardson and her husband David of Salem, N.H., and Lee Canzano and her husband Marc of Sandown, N.H.; her nephew Timothy D. Saitta and his fiancee Christina Bailey of Dracut; her grandnieces and grandnephews; her lifelong great friend Maureen Gioia of Methuen; and Frank‘s mother, Ann LaPlante of Lawrence. She is also survived by her beloved cats, Rusty, Onyx and Misty.
Patricia joins her departed mother Barbara Ann McGonigle, whom she loved dearly and with whom she had a special bond. They shared a love for animals and shopping that stayed with Patricia throughout her life.
Calling hours will be Monday, Jan. 31, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence St., Methuen. A Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, Feb. 1, at 11 a.m. at St. Monica’s Church, 212 Lawrence St., Methuen. There will be no burial service at this time, and cremation will be before the services.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701, and the MSPCA at Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01845.