Patricia M. (Kierstead) Russell

ATHOL- Patricia M. Russell, “Pat”, 69, of Athol, is now at peace. After a courageous 5 year battle with colon cancer.

Born in Malden, Mass. November 13, 1952, daughter of Marie (Sparks) and William Kierstead.

Her early childhood was spent in Malden before her family moved to Tewksbury when she was 12. She graduated from Tewksbury High with the class of 1970.

After high school, she married and spent work related time traveling from Massachusetts to Michigan with many places in between. Always a hard worker, she held various jobs of interest. She was one person who always did the job of two.

In 1978, she accepted a position with Dr. Pet Centers in Methuen, Mass. As a child, her father shared his love for animals with her. Always an animal lover, her new position educated her in treating and care for a variety of animals. She developed a solid background in veterinary medicine.

She settled in Athol in 1993 to be close to her sister who lived in Orange.

1994 a car accident left her with her back fractured in 3 places, she was told by her doctors that she was “spared”. Giving thanks to God for her new lease on life she begun to look for her “purpose” here.

The Athol Daily News published an article on the devastating and deadly parvo virus that was affecting the local pound. That was Pat’s call to action. She became a volunteer. With her experience she knew how to treat and care for the affected dogs.

2 years later she accepted the part-time position of animal control. Pat quickly became the voice of all animals. She rescued everything from cats and dogs to opossums and skunks, and pigeons to pigs. No animal was every turned away.

She could tame feral cats and calm stray dogs. Always reassuring them and telling them “Your all right”. Pat was very instrumental in making the community aware of the needs of the pound.

Tag sales, bake sales, and bottle drives were just a few of her fundraising efforts. She retired from ACO in July 2022 after 24 years of service. She is the recipient of a certificate of appreciation from the Athol Selectboard and was recently presented with a Citation for her years of service from the House of Representatives by Susie Whipps of Athol.

She retired from Starrett’s in 2016 after 20 years of service.

Discovering culinary skills at age 12, she loved to cook. She would make meals and deliver them to family and friends. Although there are many, her lasagna and chili are family favorites. She volunteered annually for the William J. O’Brien Thanksgiving Day community meal.

After a long period of being divorced, when she met Fred Ryder in 2010 her life was complete. They shared a very special love. They had a humorous, playful, fun loving relationship, earning Fred the nickname “Freddie s’ghetti”.

Getting away whenever they could, time was spent in Jackman, ME, Lincoln, NH or Squam Lake. They enjoyed the mountains, the lake, good food and made many memories. The pontoon boat at Squam with Donna and Judy was a favorite.

Having only one sister, childhood memories of playing dolls are held fondly. They also spent time at Squam Lake and York Beach doing just what sisters do.

An aunt to Blair and Jason, a favorite memory was the time she took them Christmas shopping, purchasing everything on their lists.

Pat a beautiful soul, she faced her disease with courage. She hosted her “Living Celebration of Life” at her home on August 20. A large gathering of friends attended, shared great food and told Pat stories. We all learned that day that she can speak raccoon.

Living without regrets and with a heart full of gratitude (especially for animals), she made the years in her life count. Her absence leaves a huge hole in our community. A humble, selfless woman, she will be missed by many.

As her journey continues we know she will be at the Rainbow Bridge where Tank, Goliath, Champ and many others have been awaiting her return.

She leaves those closest to her; her soulmate Fred Ryder of Athol, her sister Deb Kierstead of Orange, niece Blair (Josh) Clifford of Athol, nephew Jason (Sarah) Gabrenas of Enfield, CT, great nephew Draven Clifford and great nieces Ella and Aria Gabrenas.  Her close friends, Raenette Kramer of Athol, Todd Martinelli of Orange and Billy O’Brien of Athol. Many other friends who were like family to her. Her beloved boxer Daisy and her cats, Sweetie, Monster, BB and Victoria.

Predeceased by her parents, Marie (2001) and William (2017).

At her request there are no formal services. If you would like to honor Pat and her legacy please donate to the Athol Animal Control, “for the care of the animals”, 280 Exchange Street, Athol. Adopt, Rescue and be kind to all animals.

Although Pat is gone from our sight, she knows her soul will be moving on, in her own words she said “I’ll be alright” and somehow we know she will.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Guest book online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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