Patricia Paetow Thurber, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away suddenly at her home on June 16, 2026, at the age of 85. Born on October 16, 1940, in Queens, New York, Patricia was one of three daughters (and the younger twin) of the late Paul and Mary Paetow. She was predeceased by her husband, James Thurber, with whom she shared 58 years of marriage. They were married on July 9,1960, and embarked on a new chapter in 1970, relocating from New York to rural Coventry, CT.

Patricia, known affectionately as Pat, was a woman of many talents and passions, whose warmth and wisdom left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered. Her career as an administrative assistant spanned over four decades, with much of it dedicated to the Jorgenson Auditorium marketing department at the University of Connecticut. Pat was also the first woman nominated to serve as a deacon at Prince of Peace church.

Pat was a gifted artist whose paintings hang proudly in countless homes, cherished by family and friends. She spent endless hours crafting, quilting and sewing, creating treasured keepsakes that will last for generations. An avid reader, she delighted in the digital age, enjoying her Kindle books, iPad and iPhone games, and was a constant presence on Facebook. Through this platform, she shared her wisdom, celebrated others, and maintained connections with friends and family near and far. Her green thumb was evident in the gardens she nurtured, and her competitive spirit shone in her love for games like ping pong, badminton, tennis, and setback. In her later years, she pushed herself to remain healthy by going to the gym, and playing with her dog, Murphy. Yet, it was in nature that Pat found her deepest peace, walking through the woods with family and her beloved dogs, where she felt a profound connection to the universe.

In a world that often rushes by, Pat had the rare gift of making lasting impacts in small but meaningful ways. Her gentle nudges, challenging questions, and the beauty she found in the ordinary will forever be remembered by those fortunate enough to have known her. Patricia Paetow Thurber’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her, a testament to a life well-lived.

Pat leaves behind a legacy of love embodied in her surviving family: her children Linda Thurber-Lund (John), Chris Hopkins (John), Kathy Thurber-Lachance (Bob), Jamie Thurber (DeeDee), and Luann Corcoran, whom Pat loved as one of her own. Her twelve grandchildren—Cam, Kyle (Taylor), Ali, Amanda (Cam), Darcy (Chris), Trevor, Talia, Derek, Taden, Tylee, and Deanna—and five great-grandchildren—Julianna, Nessa, Delta, Brayden, and Roman—were the light of her life, and she celebrated each of their milestones with joy and pride. Pat is also survived by her sister Liz Arneth (Paul), many cherished nieces and nephews, and was a dear friend to Maria Niles and Dolores Dileo Demko. She was predeceased by her sister Janet Alwang (Roger).

A celebration of Pat’s life will be held on July 25, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Elks Club in Manchester, CT. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Pat’s memory to Paws New England as a tribute to her love of dogs and their well-being.