Carolyn A. Patten

WESTMINSTER – Our dearest sister, Carolyn, was welcomed into the spiritual world of Everlasting Life on March 7, 2023. She began her life in July of 1949 in Waltham, Mass. She was predeceased in death by her husband, Thomas E. Patten, her parents, Mike and Anne Lockhart, and her brother-in-law Martin Niemi. As a child she resided in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Fitchburg where she completed her elementary and middle school years. Once the family settled in Westminster, she attended and graduated high school at Oakmont Regional. From that point on, she continued her path to excel in many specialized areas. As a graduate of UMass Amherst she began her career in 1972 working at Children’s Aid and Family Services as a social worker. While there she became the Coordinator for CAFS Big Brother Big Sister Program. With a Masters Degree in Psychology, she moved on to obtain a position at the Herbert Lipton Mental Health Clinic as a Unit Director for the Residential Program. Her next position was with LUK Crisis Ctr. where she supervised four programs. Then Carolyn secured a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Bentley which supported her position as the Director of Child Care Resources a program of CAFS. When her husband passed in 1998 she went back to school. She graduated with a Master’s in Nursing from Mass General Hospital and became a Hospice Nurse with the VNA in Worcester. She and her husband resided in Leominster for many years. They were active at Our Lady of the Lake Parish as Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, CCD classes and the yearly Festival. They also hosted a Japanese student through Rotary International. Carolyn’s passions were reading and politics! She skied in her younger years, played the piano, enjoyed gardening, and was a fabulous baker. Her dog children Candi, Kola, Roxy, Lady and Rusty were very dear to her. For many years, their summer cottage in Wellfleet was a favorite for them and all family members and then later, her site in Wells, Maine. Carolyn leaves behind hers sisters, Kathleen Niemi, Mary Ellen Lockhart, Susan (Joseph) Albert and brother David (Robin) Lockhart. Auntie Coco loved her nieces and nephews, David (Lyn) Niemi, Daniel (Brianne) Niemi, Michael (Marci) Lockhart, Rachel (John) Brophy and Ross (Laura) Albert. Her grandnephews, Ilias Niemi and Jake Brophy. Grandnieces, Madison Lockhart, Kaylee Albert and Emma Brophy. Her dear friends Cecile, Sarah and Ricky brought her much joy. For anyone wishing to honor Carolyn’s memory, donations can be sent to Beacon Hospice, 36 William St., Leominster or Gardner Rehabilitation and Nursing Ctr., 59 Eastwood Circle, Gardner. The family is very grateful to both of these organizations. They provided Carolyn and her family with support, kindness and patience. Private services will be held for the family at Brandon’s Funeral Home, at their convenience, at a later date. Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg is directing arrangements.