Patricia M. Dunn

Patricia (Dwyer) Dunn, of Weymouth, passed away peacefully at her home on December 27, 2024, at the age of 86. Born in 1938 in Weymouth, Patricia was the third of seven children born to Jeremiah and Ethel Dwyer.

A dedicated and passionate lifelong learner, Patricia earned an array of academic achievements throughout her life obtaining degrees from Laboure Nursing College, Boston College Nursing School (BS), Bridgewater State University (M.Ed.), UMass Boston (M.S. Nursing), Massachusetts General Institute of Health Sciences (NP), and Suffolk Law School (JD). With a deep commitment to both her profession and her community, Patricia spent her first career in nursing, first as a practicing nurse, later as a nursing instructor, and ultimately becoming the head of the LPN program at Quincy College.

Patricia’s service extended beyond her work in healthcare. She was a Lieutenant Colonel in the New Hampshire Air National Guard, serving for over 21 years as a flight nurse and, eventually, as the head of an award-winning medical unit. In her 60s, Patricia decided to pursue a second career in law, passing the bar exam on her first attempt at the age of 66. Patricia went on to advocate for veterans, spending over a decade as a VA benefits lawyer, a role that was a testament to her profound sense of duty to those who had served our country.

A devout Catholic, Patricia was deeply committed to her faith and her family. Her 38-year marriage to James Dunn (USMCR) began on St. Patrick's Day in 1970 and continued until his passing in 2009. Both beach-bums, they could be found at Nantasket in the summer and Florida in the winter. Their shared love of travel also saw them on trips from Hawaii to Rome often grabbing a “hop” on space-A military flights. 

Patricia’s Irish spirit and her devotion to her family and friends were legendary. From being up for a spontaneous day trip to Maine for lobster rolls to being a bulwark of support to those facing their darkest days, her friendship was unwavering. Patricia was blessed with many cherished friendships including with Elizabeth Hough, Pauline Barrette, Mary Libbey, Mary O’Toole, Barbara Tatum and Joan Davidson. 

Patricia is survived by her son, Matthew Dunn and his wife Meghan Dunn of Norwell, and her other son, Peter Dunn and his wife Melissa Fassel Dunn of New Hampshire. She was a loving grandmother to seven grandchildren: Gianna D’Andrea and Jeremiah, John, and Rory Dunn all of Norwell, as well as Elise, Violet, and Clara Dunn of New Hampshire. She is also survived by her brothers, P. Thomas Dwyer and Robert Dwyer, as well as many nephews and nieces. The family is especially grateful for the care and devotion shown to Patricia by her nieces Carol Dwyer, Kathy Dwyer, Laurie Fall and Amy Barao, as well as by nephews Sean Dwyer and Daniel Dwyer.

Patricia will be remembered for her kindness, selflessness, patriotism, deep religious faith and the tremendous impact she had on all who knew her. Her legacy will live on through her family, her work, and the many lives she touched.

A wake will be held from 4PM to 8PM on Friday, January 3rd at McDonald Keohane Funeral Home at 3 Charles Street in Weymouth. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, January 4th at Immaculate Conception in East Weymouth. 

In lieu of flowers, Patricia's family respectfully requests that donations may be made in her memory to the New England Center and Home for Veterans: https://nechv.org/give-nechv/ways-of-giving/Ways of Giving | New England Center and Home for Veterans.