Patricia A. Brady

Patricia A. Brady, 87, of Springfield, died at 5:45 p.m. on Thursday, September 18, 2014 at her residence at Concordia Village. Patricia was born May 28, 1927 in Fitchburg, MA, the daughter of Lawrence and Kathleen Murray O'Donnell. She married Charles Brady on July 4, 1974 in Danvers, MA and they moved to Springfield where they lived together for almost 40 years. Charles and Pat were inseparable until he preceded her in death on September 9, 2013. Patricia earned her master's degree from Catholic University of America. She was employed for a number of years as a teacher at elementary, high school and college levels. She then worked for the SIU School of Medicine as a teacher of Epidemiology for eight years and the Illinois State Board of Governors State College and Universities for ten years, where she assisted a number of colleges and universities to develop and implement curriculum that addressed the emerging goals of higher education. Patricia volunteered as a tutor at Cathedral School and enjoyed reading and traveling. She and Charles took many trips to the East Coast, as well as to Europe and especially loved the river cruise along the Danube, as well as their trips to Ireland. She never lost her Boston accent. Pat and Charles were members of Blessed Sacrament Parish. She was also preceded in death by her parents and an infant sister, Kathleen O'Donnell. Pat is survived by many dear friends and relatives. She was known for her boundless optimism, kindness, and joy in being a good friend and a loving and fiercely protective wife. She touched everyone she met and made us better by her example. She lived her life with strong faith in God, and always, with charity. Pat was also grateful for the tender care she received from the many dedicated staff at Concordia Village, as well as her special friends there, including Barbara Killion and Gale Henry. In her memory, please try to brighten someone's day by doing something thoughtful, nice and caring. That was something she was always doing. Visitation and Funeral Mass: Family will receive friends from 10:00 until 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1725 S. Walnut St., Springfield. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Jeff Grant, celebrant. Burial will be held at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Lynn, MA. Memorial contributions may be made to: Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1725 S. Walnut St., Springfield, IL 62704; Xaverian Brothers, 4407 Frederick Ave., Baltimore, MD 21229; or Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston, Office of Mission Advancement, 637 Cambridge St., Brighton, MA 02135. The family of Patricia A. Brady is being served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.