Patricia Barlow Church

Patricia Barlow Church passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026.

Pat was born February 25, 1943, in Marlborough, Massachusetts. She grew up in New Haven, CT and graduated from Eli Whitney Technical High School, where she learned to be a seamstress. She used those skills to make her own wedding dress as well as many outfits for her daughters, grandchildren, and great-granddaughters.

Crafty by nature, she spent many hours crocheting and creating items to bring joy to others. She was fond of the character, Goofy and a lover of vanilla ice cream, always looking for simple pleasures, spending many afternoons reading a book in the sun.

She is survived by her husband and favorite date of 63 years, Raymond Church. They met when he nearly ran over her with his car, which resulted in a lifetime of wonderful adventures together. They moved to Sutton, Vermont and then spent many years in Old Lyme, Connecticut. Retirement allowed them to build their dream home in Calabash, North Carolina, but health concerns brought them back to Old Lyme and eventually Essex to be near devoted daughters Debra Joy and Karen Winters.

Pat was loved and supported by her son-in-law Scott Winters and grandchildren Jeffrey (Emily) and Brian (Kate) Winters and Kimberly Joy. She was most pleased by her great-granddaughters Grace and Georgia Winters.

Additional family includes her brother Richard (Kimberly) Talmadge and brother-in-law James Lunny as well as their children, Richard Talmadge Jr., Michael (Betsy), John (Kristi) and Paul (Alicia) Lunny, also Bonnie (David) Clark and Peggy (Greg) Depriest.

She was predeceased by her son, Raymond, Jr; her mother, Mildred; her pooch, Tucker; and dearest sister, Anne.

We would be remiss without mentioning the impeccable care provided by Middlesex Hospital and their amazing staff of doctors and nurses, as well as case managers, social workers, and all those behind the scenes that quietly ensure patient comfort. They exemplify a perfect combination of professionalism and empathy toward their patients and family members.

We have entrusted Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, Old Lyme for her arrangements.