Patricia M McKiernan

Dr. Patricia M. McKiernan, PhD, 76, of Cape Coral Florida and Wells Maine passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones Monday, May 29, 2017 in Cape Coral. Born in Worcester, Patricia was a daughter of John J and Rita F. (Murphy) McKiernan. Patricia graduated from St Stephen’s High School and entered the Sisters of St Joseph  in Springfield, becoming a catholic nun choosing the name Sister Rita John and devoting herself for the next 27 years to a journey of faith, education and devotion.  As a Sister, Patricia earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in education from Elms College in Chicopee in 1970; her Master’s degree in education from Rhode Island College in 1974; her CAGS (Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies) in 1982 and her Doctorate of Education from AIC in 1990.   Patricia is survived the family she dearly loved; Her brother, John J. McKiernan and his wife Dolly of Holden; her sister Nancy Osborn and her husband Stephen of Cape Coral; nieces and nephews, John, Michael, Lisa and Stephen McKiernan, Stephen, Keven and Jasen Osborn and Lauren Mahoney; her dear friends, Reverend Monsignor Richard Sniezyk and Dr. Gail Kennedy PhD; Other extended family members and many good friends.  Patricia dedicated the better portion of her life to her Catholic faith and education of others.  She began her career educating Elementary and middle school children for the dioceses of Worcester and Springfield, accepting a principal’s position in 1976 with the Westfield school system until 1983 when she was promoted to Director of Personnel for the Diocese of Springfield Schools.  In 1986, Patricia was appointed as an assistant administrator OF Educational services for AIC (American International College) and also an Assistant Professor of Education/Psychology at her alma mater Elms College.   In the summer of 1988, Patricia became an Elementary School Principal for the Enfield Public Schools in Connecticut until retiring in 2003.  A huge Red Sox Fan, and in retirement in Florida, Patricia worked in sales for the Boston Red Sox, spring training facility in Ft Myers.  She recently served as a Eucharistic minister at her churches in Springfield, in retirement in Cape Coral Florida in the winter and Wells Maine in the summer. Patricia enjoyed family gatherings, outings and holidays, always looking forward and happiest with her family near.  She loved the waters and beaches of the Gulf of Mexico in Florida and Maine in the summers; a good boiled lobster and her many friends both in Springfield, Worcester, Maine and Florida.  Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours, Friday, June 2, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.  Her funeral will be held Saturday, June 3rd from the Funeral home with a procession to her childhood church, St Stephen’s, 357 Grafton St. Rev. Monsignor Richard Sniezyk will celebrate her Sacrament of Christian burial Mass at 10:30 am.  Burial next to her parents will follow in St. John Cemetery.  Flowers may be sent or memorial remembrances made to the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Springfield, 577 Carew Street, Springfield 01104.