Patricia Mary McLeod

Pat was the daughter of Mildred Moore of Romiley, England and Claude A. Butterfield of Perkinsville, Vermont. She was born on September 11, 1930, in Lexington, Massachusetts and lived in Ballard Vale, Massachusetts, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, prior to spending the rest of her youth in Whitman, Massachusetts. One of Pat’s earliest memories at age 4 was crossing the Atlantic on the cruise ship Georgic with her mother to meet her grandparents in England. The daughter of an early American farming family and avid English gardeners, Pat adorned her homes with lovely flower beds and annually maintained an impressive vegetable garden throughout her life.

It was at Whitman High School that Pat met her future husband, Chester C. McLeod. She and Chet were married at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Orleans, Massachusetts on Cape Cod on June 27, 1953, followed by a reception at her parents’ new home in Brewster, Massachusetts. Shortly thereafter, Pat and Chet raised their family in Randolph, Massachusetts, before eventually retiring to her parents’ former residence in Brewster.

Pat graduated from Wheaton College in 1952 with a major in psychology and went on to teach kindergarten and first grade prior to beginning a family. In 1968, she returned to teaching in Randolph and did so for more than 30 years. Pat was passionate about nurturing and inspiring the children in her charge and explored various teaching approaches to ensure that each child found success in school by meeting his or her individual needs as a learner. Even after retiring, she continued her love for teaching by working as a volunteer in the Brewster schools.

Pat is predeceased by her husband Chet of 53 years and by her subsequent companion and friend from Whitman, Robert Jones. She leaves behind a daughter, Diane McLeod Delaney (Kevin) of Vero Beach, Florida and Darien, Connecticut, and sons, Stephen Chester McLeod (Nancy) and Brian Douglas McLeod, both of Brewster. Pat so loved and enjoyed her 7 grandchildren, Kristin Delaney Saltzman (Bruce), and Sean McLeod Delaney (Brady) of Darien, Colin James Delaney (Mahala) of New York City, James Martin McLeod (Faith) of Boston, Alison Catherine McLeod and Connor Stephen McLeod of Brewster and Matthew Brian McLeod of Orlando, Florida. Pat was delighted to welcome into the world her 6 great grandchildren, Rory McLeod Saltzman, Sophia Delaney Saltzman, Lucy Rawes Saltzman, Quinn James Delaney, Tate McLeod Delaney and the newest member, Cora McLeod Delaney.

Pat lived a life grounded in the simple joy of connecting with others. To her family and those who were lucky enough to cross her path, she was a magic maker. Born a depression era child and a product of simpler times, she was skilled at finding joy and maintaining a connection through seemingly ordinary tasks and shared this magic with her loved ones. Together they baked, they gardened, they sewed, painted, picked strawberries, stenciled, and refinished furniture. There were many trips taken, plays enjoyed, and friends made. Pat did not let distance stand in the way of these connections. She was skilled in the lost art of letter writing and when words were not enough, she corresponded with labors of love to make sure that those close to her heart felt her warmth even from afar. There were baby and children’s clothes sewn, many a quilt and wall hanging stitched and inscribed, birthday cards packed with seed packets to plant in her absence, pictures painted, and baked goods sent off to college (in shoe boxes wrapped in newspaper). Pat potted plants, baked deserts and made wreaths for the church fairs. She worked in the Free Shop and planted gardens for ailing friends. At 93, she was still in touch with many children and families she had taught years before in Randolph. She lived a life of creating joy through shared experiences and meticulously cultivating connections that transcended time, distance, and circumstance and to those whose lives she touched, it was magic.

Pat was adored by her family and friends and will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her. A memorial service will be planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, gifts in her memory may be made to:

Church of the Holy Spirit

204 Monument Road

Orleans, MA 02653