5/25/1935 to 5/3/2022

Patricia Ann (Hamilton) Cwirka, 86, of Framingham, Massachusetts passed away suddenly on May 3, 2022.

Patricia is survived by her children, Kimberley Avila and her husband Kevin of Longs, South Carolina; Sharyn Piché and her husband Guy of Houston, Texas; John (Jack) Poirier and his wife Monique of Wayland, Massachusetts; and Andrea Cronin and her husband George of Framingham, Massachusetts. She is predeceased by her daughter, Cynthia Doherty, formerly of Blackstone, Massachusetts. She was also predeceased by her long-term companion and best friend, Roger French, of Bridgewater, New Hampshire. Patricia was blessed with 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Patricia is survived by her sisters, Carol Campbell of Fairport, New York; Sandra Vermouth of Milford, Massachusetts; Nancy Tempesta of Milford, Massachusetts; and Bonnie Glidden of Newton, Massachusetts.

Born in Waltham, Massachusetts, Patricia was the eldest of five daughters of the late Russell Hamilton and Gertrude (Drennan) Hamilton. She married Paul Poirier of Waltham on May 12, 1953 and then moved with her husband to Germany in January 1954 for 2 years. After returning to the United States, they lived briefly in Waltham before settling in Wayland, Massachusetts to raise their five children.

In her early years, Patricia was a talented dancer in both tap and ballet. She spent many years as the Girl Scout Troop Leader, and could always be counted on to sew costumes for school plays and activities. Pat was a member of the Wayland Canoe Club and enjoyed time at the water. Despite many family camping trips, she did not enjoy camping (it ALWAYS rained). Bowling was a favorite activity for Patricia and she participated in a bowling league for years. Patricia was a talented artist and taught ceramics in Ashland, Framingham and Bristol, New Hampshire. She was a member of the Red Hat Club in Bristol, New Hampshire and had many wonderful adventures with that group.

Upon leaving Wayland, Patricia resided in Framingham for numerous years before retiring to her home in Bristol, New Hampshire. The White Mountains of New Hampshire and Newfound Lake were the favorite place for Patricia to be as she had so many happy memories of her teenage years there.

A celebration of life will take place sometime in the near future. In lieu of flowers, donations in Patricia’s name are encouraged to be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Charities, Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the charity of your choice.