Patricia A (Zielinski) Connors

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Patrica Ann Connors. Born in Holyoke Massachusetts to Alexander and Ann Zielinski. She was the second of three children. Patricia was a lifelong Westfield resident. Patricia was a proud patriot and served her county for 19 years, including a tour of duty at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. After her military service, she remained as a civil employee at the 104th Fighter Wing for over 50 years. This is where she met the love of her life, Richard “Okie” Connors. The two shared a wonderful life together and adored their two children, Cynthia Ducharme and Sean Connors. In the mid 1980’s Patricia was instrumental in helping bring organ transplant services to Baystate Hospital as Richard was the recipient of not one, but two kidney transplants. Patricia was an active member of the Polish Women’s Alliance and served as the local president for a period of time. Patricia was also a very active member of the Barnes 104th Fighter Wing Family Support Unit. There, she served in many different roles including President and Vice President of the group which was responsible for bringing so much love, care, and support to the family members of deployment service members. Patricia could often be found cooking pasta for a spaghetti dinner, filling Trick-or-treat bags for the children’s Halloween party, wrapping gift for the Christmas party of filling countless eggs for the Easter Egg Hunt. Her child where truly the light of her world. She was the proud grandmother to Brock and could often be found at the local football or lacrosse fields cheering him on. Jackson joined his big cousin a few years later and Patricia greatly enjoyed spending time playing outside and reading with him. The boys know how much they were loved by their grandmother. Patrcia was preceded by her parents, Alexander and Ann Zielinski and her beloved husband Richard. She leaves behind her two brothers, Chester Zielinski and his wife Linda along with John Zielinski. Patricia’s two children Cynthia Ducharme and her husband Dennis, and Sean along with his partner Kelsey will forever miss her and carry her memory in their hearts. Her two grandsons Brock and Jackson will always know the love their grandmother had for them. In addition to her two children, there were two very special “kids” that Patricia always thought of as their own. Kelly Caputo and Joseph Mellone have been best friends with Cindy and Sean since childhood. They will forever remain a special part of the Connors family. Patrica leaves behind many nieces and nephews, family and friends who will keep her memory alive. In lieu of flowers, to honor of Pat’s dedication to the Barnestormer families, donations to the 104FW Family Programs office an be made to their the 104th Fighter Wing Chiefs Council or the Thunderbolt Council 175 Falcon Dr, Westfield, MA 01085. Calling hours will be held on Friday August 9th from 5-7 pm at the Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield. Burial will be held on Saturday August 10 at 11 am in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Southampton Road, Westfield.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Patricia A (Zielinski) Connors, please visit our floral store.