Patricia "Patsy" (Mulkern) O'Gara

Patricia "Patsy" O'Gara, 83 Patricia Katherine O'Gara, age 83, passed away peacefully on May 30 at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough. A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, "Patsy" was a longtime Westbrook resident who grew up in Portland as the daughter of Pearl & Joseph Mulkern. One of six children, Patsy was proud of her close family, Gorham's Corner neighborhood and humble roots, sharing a room with her four sisters and once selling rags to help her family during the later years of the Great Depression. She graduated from Portland High School in 1950 and soon after married Albert Hays. They shared a beautiful but far-too-short marriage together, welcoming two sons - Michael and Kevin - before his untimely and premature death in 1963. In 1966, after a move to Westbrook with her two young sons, she married Philip O'Gara. They recently celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary together a few weeks prior to her passing. Philip & Patsy welcomed two additional children - Brian & Maureen. Patsy was a devoted mother to her four children, an ardent supporter of their school efforts, athletic teams, hobbies, projects and careers. She quickly became beloved by their friends as well. Her kitchen table was a popular gathering spot for neighbors, friends and family. Patsy loved to host visitors, welcoming them at any time, and was a great sounding board for their stories or troubles. She became an avid baker, and treated her visitors and family with her delicious apple squares, needhams and whoopie pies. After years of not driving, she earned her drivers license in her 50s, an accomplishment she was very proud of. Patsy was a passionate sports fan of many teams, but most of all the Boston Red Sox. She watched nearly every game. The Red Sox championship in 2004 to "break the curse" was one of her happiest memories, as was the personal birthday video message she received from David "Big Papi" Ortiz on her 80th birthday. Another primary hobby was ceramics, and the O'Gara home displayed many of her works, from lawn statues to lamps and other displays. Those items created by Patsy remain cherished possessions by her friends and family. Patsy was the proud grandmother of nine - Ryan, Hannah, Katelyn, Brittany, Sean, Megan, Molly, Ally and Emily. She loved being "Nana" and was a constant source of encouragement. Her proud recital of any accomplishment by her grandchildren was shared not only with friends, but anyone she met. Her doctors and nurses were constantly hearing Nana's stories about her children and grandchildren. Patsy is survived by her adoring husband Philip W. O'Gara; her sisters Pearl Ann Grant and Lorraine Russell; her four children Michael Hays, Kevin Hays, Brian O'Gara and Maureen (O'Gara) Richards and their families, and many, many friends. She was predeceased by her parents; her first husband Albert Hays; her brother Joseph Mulkern and sisters Phyllis Boles and Mary Lou Morneau. A period of visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 2 from 6pm-8pm at Blais-Hay Funeral Home at 35 Church Street in Westbrook. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 3 at 10:00 am at the Parish of Saint Anthony - Saint Hyacinth's Catholic Church -at 268 Brown Street in Westbrook. Interment at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland will take place following the service. On line condolences may be expressed at blaisandhayfuneralhome.com.

Patricia "Patsy" (Mulkern) O'Gara

May 30, 2015

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