Patricia Golden ... taught school in Milton, Wakefield; at 71

BROOKFIELD - Patricia Jean Golden, 71, much loved wife, mother, grandmother died unexpectedly due to complications that arose on Feb. 9, 2023, at Wentworth Douglass Hospital, after a short, intense struggle with cancer.

Patricia Jean, daughter of Barbara (Roberts) and David Golden, was born on July 22, 1951 in Dansville, N.Y. but quickly moved back to New Hampahire to be closer to the large family that was in and around Milton.

Patricia was a leader and a scholar and graduated top of her class from Nute High School in 1969. She was captain of many of the sports teams throughout high school including softball, volleyball, basketball and cheerleading. Upon arrival at college she continued her leadership roles by being one of the founding members of the first accredited sorority at Keene State College. She studied psychology and early education and earned her master's degree from UNH while studying in Oxford, England. She also had the opportunity to teach abroad in numerous small villages and cities in Russia.

Patricia started her teaching career at the Milton Mills Little Red School house, became one of the first teachers at the Hazel MacBrien Nursery School in Sanbornville in 1982, and created and implemented the first Readiness program at the Paul School. Still with more goals to attain, she advocated and launched the first public Kindergarten for the town of Wakefield where she taught until her retirement in 2009.

Her passion was to teach and build confidence in all students knowing that the educational foundation of each and every student that passed through her classroom was built on love, support and a kind heart, not just the alphabet. She had the ability to find that special something in every student even if they couldn't see it in themselves. She never missed a high school graduation where she proudly watched her students walk across the stage knowing she was an important part of their education.

After retirement, she became an expert in genealogy, helping many area friends find their ancestors. She was heavily involved with SCAMP, a local theater group for school children and adults, acting as costume designer and stage manager. Patricia was a member of First Congregational Church of Wakefield, holding the title of Historian/Archivist, and an original and current member of the Memorial Handbell Choir. She was also a member of the Wakefield/Brookfield Historical Society for many years. An avid cat person and despite her being highly allergic, she would rescue many strays and cast-offs to give them a good home. One of her most cherished accomplishments was when she presented the citizen of the Year award in 2016 by her fellow community members.

Patricia enjoyed 36 years of marriage to Stephen Michalsky living in Brookfield and most recently enjoying their retirement years reading, crocheting and swimming at their cabin on Lovell Lake.

She was a loving mother to daughters, Gina Golden ( husband Corey Meroski) of Wakefield/Brookfield N.H. and Gemma Stanek (husband Michal) of Hampton and Stepmother to Susan Farid ( husband Abdeltif) of Eliot ME., Sarah Ellner (husband Israel) of Morristown Vt., and Samantha McKeighan (husband Curtis) of West Springfield Mass. Patty was an ever supportive and present "RaRa" to 10 grandchildren: Coralena Jean, Cecelia, Montana Gold, Nora, Abigail, Victoria, Joseph, Sadie, Abrahim and Zaccaria.

Patricia was fortunate to have such a large extended family that lived close by while she was growing up and continuing into adulthood. Although she was an only child, she had over 50 first and second cousins and always felt the love and support from all. She treasured family time and was always ready to attend the next family reunion. She shined wherever she went and it is hard to not envision her being surrounded in her favorite colors of purple and gold. Patty also leaves behind a caring supportive group of friends that will forever miss the way she always found a way to put a little "Golden" into everything she did.