Patricia E. (Doherty) Woods, 72, of North Main Street, Jefferson, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Friday, May 11, 2012, at the Rose Monahan Hospice Home in Worcester. Born in Worcester, she was the daughter of Edward and Alice (Piwowarski) Doherty, and has lived in Holden for the last 40 years.
She was a 1957 graduate of Commerce High School in Worcester and worked as a Medical Secretary at Saint Vincent Hospital for over 25 years, retiring in 2011. Previously she worked at Holden District Hospital.
Patricia had a strong faith and was an active member of St. Mary’s Church in Jefferson where she taught Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, and served as a Eucharistic Minister, on the Church Council and Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults group and raised funds for Haiti. She enjoyed bowling and was a member of the Striker bowling league.
Her grandchildren were the light of her life and she enjoyed spending time with them. She was a special person and friend to all who knew her for she made everyone feel special about themselves with her infectious spirit – she lit up our lives!
Her husband of 38 years, Michael J. Woods, died in 2003. She is survived by two daughters, Erica Bedard and her husband Barry of Westminster and Kathleen Duszak and her husband Duane of Worcester; three grandchildren, Hannah, Cameron and Emily; a sister, Mary Stewart of Charlton; and many nephews and nieces. A brother, James Doherty of Worcester, predeceased her.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, May 14, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. The funeral will be held on Tuesday, May 15, from the funeral home with an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary’s Church, 114 Princeton St., Jefferson. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Donations may be made to St. Mary’s Church, P.O. Box 2200, Jefferson, MA 01522; or to the American Cancer Society , 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.