Patricia Ann (Hickey) Leger

Patricia A Leger, longtime resident of West Roxbury MA, and Barnard VT, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2024, surrounded by her loving family in her cherished home of 49 years. Pat approached her passing, and her short but courageous battle with cancer, in much the same way she lived her life- with humor, a determined spirit, and a heart full of love and gratitude for her family, friends, and a wonderful life. Her warmth, compassion, and soul-nurturing hugs will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, especially her devoted husband Richard (Dick), her beloved daughters and their spouses, Nicole Leger and Peter Menucci, and Colleen Leger and the late Ryan Fox, and her adoring grandchildren, her “cherubs,” Emmett, Sylvie, and Luca. 

“Patsy,” was born on Saint Patrick’s Day in 1938 to William and Catherine Hickey, the third of five children. She loved family more than anything else and treasured her relationships with her parents and each of her siblings, and later with their spouses and children.  She is predeceased by her two brothers and their wives, William and Joyce Hickey, and James and Claire Hickey, and leaves behind her sisters, Kathleen Hickey, and Maryellen Sullivan.  She also had a close bond with her nephew, Jimmy Hickey, whom she helped raise. Additionally, she leaves behind many nieces and nephews, to whom she was like a second mom, and several grand nieces and nephews who brought her immense joy later in life.

Pat grew up in Jamaica Plain and graduated from Notre Dame Academy in Boston. She went on to work at New England Telephone for ten years and then Delta Airlines for 29 years, where she formed many deep and lifelong friendships and enjoyed worldwide travels with friends and family. In retirement, Pat grew more actively involved with her parish community, Saint John’s in West Roxbury. In addition to bringing communion to the sick and serving at funerals, Pat was a key organizer for the annual Christmas Bazaar fundraiser, which also allowed her to indulge her passion for bargain shopping. She was a vibrant member of the “Ritz” club, a group of friends who would meet for coffee after morning mass.

Pat met Dick at a church retreat in 1972, and they were married three years later. For almost 50 years, they were partners in love and life, raising two (mostly) wonderful daughters, and instilling in them an unparalleled sense of empathy, fierce independence, and a deep love of family. Their home became a family and social hub, where they hosted holidays, parties, and impromptu gatherings with countless drop-in guests. When not hosting, Pat and Dick loved traveling and spending time at their family home in Vermont.

Later in life, Pat welcomed three awesome grandchildren. A devoted and loving grandmother, she found immense joy in holding them close, singing lullabies, and, naturally, worrying about them far more than necessary. Her grandchildren were a true source of happiness and pride, and she delighted in watching them grow. 

For her many friends and family, Pat was a touchstone and a trusted sounding board—always ready to listen and offer thoughtful, honest advice with strength and compassion. She had an uncanny ability to “get” people and to respond to them in a very loving and supportive way. A keen sense of somehow knowing when someone was in need was one of her hallmarks. She shared laughs and tears with many. She will always be remembered as a strong-willed, fiercely devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her unwavering love, empathy, and dedication touched the lives of everyone around her, and her passing leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.  Her absence is deeply felt, but her spirit will live on in the countless lives she touched, the wisdom she shared, and the love she so freely gave. Her strength and warmth will forever guide those she left behind.

Visitation will be held in the Robert J. Lawler and Crosby Funeral Home 1803 Centre St. West Roxbury on Wednesday, October 16, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. John Chrysostom Church 4750 Washinton St. West Roxbury, on Thursday, October 17, at 10:00 am. All are welcome to attend. Interment Forest Hills cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Pat’s name to Rosie’s Place 889 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118 https://www.rosiesplace.org/