Pat Doyle, 87, of Arlington, passed away peacefully at home, September 30, 2015, surrounded by her four loving daughters. She was the devoted wife of the late James C. Doyle, Jr., and beloved mother of Kerry Doyle-Shannon of Delaware, Kathleen Doyle of New York, Maureen Doyle of Wakefield and Jamie Doyle of Wakefield. She will also be missed by her sister Joan Roshier of Ashland, her cousin Peggy Kazazian of Somerville, and son-in-law Brendan Shannon. Pat cherished Tom Blair who was more than she could have ever dreamed of for a “son.”


Daughter of the late John F. McCarthy and Mary Ellen (McElhinney) McCarthy, Pat was born in Medford. A child of the Great Depression, she grew up collecting stamps with her postal worker father, reading and working hard to help out her mother. Pat was the first in her family to attend college, earning a B.A. from Salem State University. Determined, Pat would hitchhike to school if she lacked the ten cent T fare. While earning a degree in Education, Pat dreamed of a career in law. Many afternoons she snuck off campus to observe trials at the Salem courthouse. Pat went on to teach 4th grade in the Medford Public Schools for many years. While teaching she attended evening classes at Boston University, earning a M.Ed. from Boston University. A trailblazer, Pat was one of the first women to attend New England School of Law. There she met Jim Doyle who swept her off her feet. She went on to earn her J.D., marry Jim and create a home in Arlington.


Pat was tireless. An energetic teacher, realtor, Town Meeting member, Sunday school teacher, neighbor and parishoner--she did so much for so many--bringing her signature wit to every endeavor. Above all else, Pat adored her grandchildren. A favorite playmate and proud grandmother--nothing gave her greater joy than spending time with Molly, Katy, Danny, Abigail, Declan and Jack.


A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Eulalia's Church, Winchester on Saturday at 9am. Visiting Hours will be held from the Keefe Funeral Home on Friday from 5-8pm. Donations in Pat’s name can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.