Patricia Ann “Patty” (Dowd) Wilkinson, 87, died at home in Holyoke on December 25, 2024. Patty was born in Holyoke on November 15, 1937 to the late Rebecca (O’Connell) Dowd and Henry C. Dowd. Patty was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Douglas Wilkinson. 

Patty graduated from Holyoke High School in 1955, earned a B.A. in French from College of Our Lady of the Elms, and earned an M.S.W. from Smith College. She worked as a social worker for the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

Patty was extremely proud to be an Irish Catholic Holyoker. She spent her entire life in the city that she loved so much. Patty also loved reading; travel; and trips to the symphony, theater, and museums. She was an extremely friendly person who smiled at and chatted with everyone she met. She treated everyone equally no matter their station in life, and her heart always held a special place for the underdog.

Patty leaves four daughters: Megan Woodard (Tom), Tara Woomer, Melissa Tempestini (Rodrigo), and Heather Wilkinson. She leaves twelve grandchildren: Chelsea Paine, Alexis Rozas-Cristino, Avery Woodard, Parker Woodard, Douglas Maccaferri, Patrick Woomer II, Charlotte Woomer, Lucille Woomer, Madeline Woomer, Abigail Gould, Wesley Gould, and Jackson Gould. Patty also leaves two great-grandchildren: Sage Rozas-Cristino & Lumi Rozas-Cristino.

Patty was preceded in death by her brother Henry P. Dowd and her sister Eleanor Dooley.

Patty leaves her sister-in-law Eleanor Dowd, many nieces, and a nephew. She also leaves many lifelong friends.

We would like to thank caretakers Diane Walton and Sabrina Goddu for their selfless service, kind companionship, and loving dedication. Patty was blessed to have you both in her life.

Calling hours will be held at the Barry Farrell Funeral Home in Holyoke on Monday, January 6 from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, January 7 at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Cross in Holyoke. A burial ceremony will be held on Tuesday, January 7 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Patty.