Patricia E Flaherty
April 18, 1944 ~ October 1, 2018
South Portland - Patricia E. Flaherty, 74, of Landry Circle, died Monday, October 1, 2018 at Maine Medical Center following a brief, but courageous battle with cancer. Her loving family was by her side.
Patty was born in Portland, Maine on April 18, 1944 the daughter of the late Thomas S. Sr. and Elaine M. (Sawyer) Flaherty. She attended local schools and graduated from Cathedral High School in the class of 1962.
Patty had a career as an injury compensation specialist for the United States Postal Service in Portland, retiring in 2003.
The love, friendship and generosity that Patty showed to others were immeasurable. She was a proud Friend of Bill W. for over 28 years. Her work in Alcoholics Anonymous touched the lives of countless people, both locally and abroad. She was very spiritual and was raised in the catholic faith at St. Dominic's in Portland.
Patty would light up a room with her grace, dignity and warm smile. She was the life of the party and was known for her authenticity and great sense of humor. One of her favorite sayings was, "Have a great day, and make it a masterpiece!" Patty exuded love, especially for her grandchildren.
Besides her passion for helping others, some of Patty's other interests included singing and dancing, traveling with friends and family, and visiting local consignment shops, especially Village Style in Freeport where she worked for several years. Patty loved to bargain shop and was known to be a "fashionista".
Patty is survived by her daughter, Maria E. Gilbert of South Portland; a son, Anthony Pesce Jr. (Meredith) of Westbrook; a sister Kathleen (Donald) Smith of Old Orchard Beach; brothers, Thomas S. Flaherty Jr. (Nancy) of Falmouth Foreside, Peter L. Flaherty (Jayne) of Old Orchard Beach, Paul C. Flaherty (Sandra) of Westbrook and John G. Flaherty (Michael Poulin) of South Portland; sisters-in-law Catherine Flaherty of Lewiston and Anne M. Verzoni of South Portland; grandchildren, Meghan E. and Grace E. Gilbert of South Portland, Frances A. Pesce of Westbrook and grandson Pesce due in March. Patty is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and a huge extended family who adore her. She was predeceased by her son-in-law, Kevin M. Gilbert (2003) and a brother, Timothy F. Flaherty (2013).
Visiting Hours celebrating Patty's life will be held on Friday, October 12, 2018 from 4-7 PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the Maine Irish Heritage Center, 34 Gray Street, Portland. Private Burial at Pine Grove Cemetery will be held at a later date. To view Patty's memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com
Those who wish may make donations in Patty's memory to: Amistad Peer Support and Recovery, P.O. Box 992 Portland, ME 04104.
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Patty was a kind and loving woman. She could light up a room with her smiles and warm energy. Patty, you will be deeply missed by many people including myself. My condolences, hugs and prayers to her family and friends.
– Susan Distasio
Patty was like a big sister to me in many ways. Back in the sixties when I used to visit the Flaherty family as friends of Pete and Paul, her smile and friendliness was a joy to experience. It was many years / decades after high school that I reconnected with her through my own personal recovery. I was so happy to attend a presentation on laughter in recovery…”we are not a glum lot”. It was like there was no time passed when we reunited that day. Rest in peace and serenity, “big sister”.
– Bill Keller
To a woman we were all blessed to have met in our journey in life, we will meet again I’m sure . You were like a second mother to me. Maria you and I have had many memories together I will always hold dear .Patty you will always hold a special place in my heart. Keep smiling down on us as you did while you were here, you are our special angel now. With love always Marion S. Godspeed my friend
– Marion Sellner
My heart is so sad…words can’t describe the sense of loss I feel but I still smile when I think of you Patty. You were a warm glowing light in my world! Your warm smile and kind thoughtful ways were always much appreciated by me and so many others who love you. My love and prayers to John, Tom and Maria and the rest of your family. I am a better woman for having known you. Love, Karen M.
– Karen Moulton
Patti was one of the warmest, most welcoming people I know. She was a bright, beautiful light in this world and will be deeply missed.
– Bethany
Patty was a shining light a truly beautiful woman in every way wishing the family hope in the midst of sorrow and comfort in the midst of pain
– Tom Lavery
Fred and I extend our deepest sympathies to you and your family. May the soul of your mother be at peace with our Heavenly Father. She will be missed and holding your mother in a special place in our hearts Our Sincere Condolences Frederick and Annette Kennedy
– Annette
Dear Patti she could light up a room with her smile and laughter. What a blessing it is to have known her whether it was for a moment, a minute or a lifetime she is unforgettable! I want to send my condolences to her family and to all that knew her. She is loved and will be missed
– Shannon Ousback
A light that will forever shine in the hearts of many! Thank You Patty for shining your light in my heart!
– Connie B
What a beautiful soul she was. Glad to have walked the earth with her.
– Kimberly Foster
A beautiful, beautiful woman, a rare gem, who touched the lives of so many of us in so many ways, all the loving memories you’ve given us. You will never be forgotten and will stay in the hearts of us all until we see you again, our dear friend.
– Marianna Russo
I met Patty years ago at Village Consignment and have known her through the store over the store owner changes and change in locations. I looked for her every time I was in the store because she was the light that shone brightly. She offered me honest input on clothing choices. Over time I got to know more about her life and the love she had for her family and grandkids. Patty was such an upbeat and uplifting person who made my day every time I saw her. When she returned to work a few hours a week or month at Village Style, when I saw her and gave her a great big hug telling her how much I missed her and loved her. I know she had life struggles and some recent love life heartbreaks. But she took the risks and offered me hope which I told her often. I also know she always rose above the challenges and was a woman to admire. Of course she would not want admiration as she was humble. I know the world lost a bright light when Patty left on Monday. I am certain she will be missed by so many people because she was a sociable woman who loved her various communities. Patty, thank you for bringing me such joy and love in the years I knew you. I can only imagine how devastated your family and long time friends are at this time. If I’m in tears typing this, I know your closer friends and your dear family are as well. Godspeed Patty. May you feel the love being sent to you from all of us who knew, loved and admired you. You were a gift that I truly appreciated. I will miss seeing your beautiful, youthful smiling face! Georgana Prudhomme
– Georgana Prudhomme
Rest In Peace Beautiful lady Many prayers for your family
– Cathryn Hicks
To the entire Flaherty family… I send my deepest condolences for the loss of your beautiful Patty. She was a wonderful mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and friend. Dear Patty will be missed by so many who loved her. I hope your memories of your mom, sister, grandmother and aunt will bring you comfort during this difficult time. Rosemary Dolan Munson
– Rosemary Dolan Munson
Kathy, and all, my deepest sympathy for your loss. I will always remember Patty’s wit and joyous smile. She will be missed.
– Marcia Ridge Brown
Patty was one of the nicest people I knew in Maine. As her obituary states, her smile did light up a room. Joyce Bernard Southern Shores, NC
– Joyce Bernard
Most kindest lady iv ever met.Very sad news
– thomas rioux
Patty you were and still are a loving and bright spirit who warmed the hearts of many and brought joy and energy to the lives of those blessed to know you. You could inspire a laugh even on a most difficult day. I feel very lucky to have known you. You were also a real fashionista! Donna
– Donna Albury
This will be in the Lyric Music Theater program of White Christmas. Patty will be missed! In Memorial Lyric recently lost a long time volunteer and friend to Lyric Music Theater, Patricia, (Patty), Flaherty in early October of this year. Patty first started performing with Lyric in George M in 1991 and went on to perform for many years. She loved to sing and dance and had a great time as a chorus member of shows. As time went along she lent her talents to doing make-up and being a “fashionista” she had an eye for helping with costumes. You hear of some people that can light up a room with their smile, well this fit Patty to a T! She was grace and dignity but with a warmth and touch of the imp that was infectious! In recent years Patty has worked many of the Senior/Preview nights welcoming everyone with her delightful laugh and joie de vivre – enjoyment of life!
– Lyric Music Theater
I’m so sad to know I will not see Pattys beautiful smiling face again and I’m so sorry for your loss Maria and Anthony. However her story ended, she will always be part of yours and for that you are blessed. Love you both. Cindi Bartlett
– Cindi Bartlett
Oh how we will miss our beautiful Patty! Am so saddened by this loss yet so grateful for her Life! Condolences, love, prayers For all family.
– Debi Kruk
Patty was the most joyful loving sincere lady i have ever known , her light within shined so bright it would light up the room. When she saw you;she was so happy to see you, her joy, love and her beautiful light drew you in. She always had a hug for me, then she would but her hands on my shoulders and say it is so good to see you. I could see all the love grace and dignity. RIP my friend for you will be missed, until we meet again…
– Susan ( Suzy) St. Michel
Patty I’ve known you twenty years & you have alway’s been a blessing ! A woman amongst women & the best of the best !!! Alway’s a smile & a kind word for everyone ! I thank you for being a part of my recovery & a true power of example ! You were like an angel to me & you will be missed tremendously ! Till we meet again my friend !
– Pauline Leach
My heart is with Anthony, Meredith and Frances during this difficult time.
– Aimee
Patty was such a bright and shining star. Her smile would light up a room and her laugh would make me laugh when I didn’t feel like laughing. She was always kind and caring towards me. I will miss seeing her in the halls and hearing her powerful experience, strength and courage. God bless her family. My deepest sympathies.
– Victoria Symonds
Patty was a beautiful person and she will be greatly missed. I am so sorry for your loss.
– Susan Hazzard