Mary Patricia “Pat" Reed died peacefully on April 28, 2026, at the age of 92. She lived at Fox Hill Village in Westwood, MA for the past five years, the last year of which she resided at Birch Grove, the assisted living community at Fox Hill Village.

Patricia was born on December 8, 1933, to Jeremiah and Hannah (Joyce) Donovan in Beverly, MA. She grew up in Wenham and graduated from Beverly High School entering the work force following graduation.

In 1957 she married Harold "Harry" Reed, and they were married for over 41 years. They had two daughters, Allyson and Karen. The family lived in Burlington, MA, where Patricia launched her life-long joy of entertaining and organizing family gatherings and parties in the family barn. Pat and Harry enjoyed a two and half year adventure in The Netherlands due to Harry's international work. There were many European family road trips in their VW driven by Harry and led by Pat's enthusiasm for culture and new experiences.

In 1981 Harry and Patricia started a new chapter in Tampa, FL due to Harry's work. Patricia was pursuing her bachelor's degree in Boston and continued her studies in Tampa earning a BSW from the University of South Florida in 1984 at the age of 49, followed by completion of her MSW.

Patricia worked as a licensed clinical social (LCSW) worker for Lifepath Hospice of Tampa for more than thirty years. She was passionate about hospice work as both a clinician and administrator. She touched the lives of many through her bereavement work, providing grief counseling to patients, their families, and children. Her special gift for working with children led to her founding the Circle of Love Children's Program, a weekend camp providing compassionate grief support to children; and volunteering as a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) court appointed advocate for abused children.

An avid floral arranger and gardener, Patricia filled her home with beautiful flowers for every holiday. She continued to share that joy at Fox Hill Village where she was part of the flower committee. Her love of music and singing began in childhood which she embraced and enjoyed throughout her life. There was not a holiday that Patricia did not enjoy celebrating with others. She was a lifelong adventurer unafraid of trying new things who had a zest for life and loved her family. More than anything, Patricia cared about helping others and advocating for those without a voice.

In 2016 Patricia made the intrepid decision to leave Tampa after 35 years to be closer to her family in the Boston area. 

Patricia was pre-deceased by her husband Harry Reed; her parents, Hannah & Jeremiah Donovan, and her brothers, Thomas & John “Jack” Donovan. She is survived by her daughters, Allyson Reed of Belmont, and Karen Reed Shannon (Matthew P. Shannon) of Needham; her grandchildren Julia (J.J.) Shannon, Gabriel Shannon, Katherine Shannon, and great-granddaughter, Lena Reed Shannon, the light of her life.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations in her memory to Good Shepherd Community Care, 160 Wells Avenue, Newton, MA 02459. gscommunitycare.org/Donate. Her burial will be private.