Patricia Wilson

WESTBROOK- Patricia J. Elwell Wilson, 80, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and beloved cat, Lizzie, on July 18th, 2023. The family was Blessed with the care and guidance from Hospice of Southern Maine. She was born June 25th, 1943 in Portland, Maine to Stuart Elwell and Beatrice Cook Elwell. Patricia graduated from Westbrook High School in 1961 and from there attended University of Maine in Orono where she received a degree of elementary education and graduated in 1964. Patricia married her lifelong sweetheart Robert Wilson Sr. in August of 1964. They met in grade school and their love grew from the moment they met. Patricia was a selfless woman, always putting her family, students, and her community before herself. Her faith was important to her, as she and Bob were beloved members of the Westbrook-Warren Congregational church for many years, being involved in the fellowship there. She and Bob took on the responsibilities of advisors for the church youth group before their own children were born. In December 2000 she founded the popular Festival of Trees in Southern Maine, which takes place at the church. She created this festival in honor of her mom, Beatrice Cook Elwell. When her children were young she was involved in Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts as a group leader. Being beautiful inside and out, Pat competed in and was crowned Miss Cumberland County in her young adult years. After Bob passed away, Pat struggled with her free time and purpose in life. She found the need for volunteers at the Westbrook Community Center and volunteered for many years in Cornelia's Closet and the Westbrook Food Pantry. In August of 2021, Patricia won a Community Citizen Award. She taught in the Windham School District for 33 years. She enjoyed working with the children and their families, and was still connected to many of them up to her passing. Even in her own struggles, Patricia stayed true to her love of community and education starting a stroke support group and newsletter after her husband suffered a stroke in 1985, and after his passing, a grief support group. Patricia loved and adored Robert, embracing the role of caregiver was not a problem for her. When recently asked what her biggest accomplishment in life was, she replied, "Bob". They enjoyed the outdoors together and brought up their children with the love of the outdoors and animals. They immersed their family in canoe trips, Hobie Cat regattas, snowmobile trips to Jackman, climbing mountains, camping, traveling and visiting family from afar during school vacations. Traveling the world was a large part of their life. They shared their love of the world not only with their children but also their granddaughters. During her free time she enjoyed reading, gardening, nurturing the nature around her and loving her pets. She was proud of her pets, and was successful in passing on that love to her family. Patricia is predeceased by her beloved husband; Robert David Wilson Sr. and her parents; Stuart Elwell and Beatrice Cook Elwell. She is survived by her son Robert David Wilson Jr and his wife Tara Greene Wilson and her daughter Keira Greene of East Baldwin; Daughter Kathleen Wilson Kanhai-Singh and her husband Vincent Kanhai-Singh of Gardiner; Granddaughters; Kassie Wilson Smith and her husband Jacob Smith of Gorham, Katelyn Jane Burkhart and her partner John Sanders of Hudson, NH; Great Grandsons Gavin and Connor Smith of Gorham; Cousins Marilyn Hoyt Wood and her husband Sonny, Linwood Hoyt, and Everett and Peggy Nason. Patricia also leaves behind many friends, including, Toby Leconte of Boothbay, Ellie Doughty of Gorham, Margaret Harrison and her partner Susan Brendel of Hollis, Pat and Al Little of Westbrook, and John Corbin of Westbrook. And of course, her beloved kitty, Lizzie. Patricia left a lasting impact and will be missed by many. Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, July 25th 9-10am at Westbrook-Warren Congregational Church 810 Main Street, Westbrook Maine 04092. A funeral service will follow at 10am followed by burial at Woodlawn Cemetery in Westbrook. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made in Patricia's name to Cornelia's Closet located in the front of the Westbrook Community Center at 426 Bridge Street or to the Westbrook Food Pantry also located at 426 Bridge Street.

Patricia Wilson

July 18, 2023

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