Patricia Ann Benjamin's Obituary
Patricia Ann (McKernan) Benjamin passed away peacefully at her home on September 16, 2025. Patricia was the second of five children born to Mildred F(Levis) McKernan and Francis C McKernan Sr. both of Lawrence MA. Patricia grew up in Lawrence attending St Patrick’s Grammar and High School. Patricia earned her BA Degree In English from Merrimack College. She began her teaching career at GLTS in Andover and celebrated her retirement from the school in 2008. A devoted teacher for over 35 years, she touched countless lives with her patience, kindness and passion for learning. During the last years of her tenure Patricia headed up the English Department. Throughout her career Patricia actively participated in the planning and staging of school activities including school plays, National Honor Society events and graduation ceremonies. Outside of the classroom, she embraced life’s joys with enthusiasm. She found peace at the beach, (her favorite place), delight in theater and musicals and expression through writing and reading. She loved cooking for family and friends, pouring her love into every meal. Above all, Patricia was a giving and loving mother, daughter, sister and grandmother. She gave of herself freely and always placed the needs of others before her own. She found her greatest joy in her family, especially her beloved grandsons who brought endless light, laughter and pride into her days. Her legacy of love, laughter, and learning will continue to guide all who knew her, a reminder of the beauty of a life lived selflessly. She is survived by daughter Tara (Benjamin) Brown, and her husband Robert and her two Grandsons, Dylan and Zachary Brown. She is also survived by her 4 siblings: Kathleen (McKernan) Moreau and her husband Paul, Francis McKernan Jr and his wife Debra (DeSantis) Thomas McKernan and John McKernan and his wife Maria (Barker) and many nieces and
nephews.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at John Breen Memorial Funeral Home, 35 Merrimack Street, North Andover, MA.
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Michael Church, 196 Main Street, North Andover. Interment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Waverly Road, North Andover, MA.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to GLTS—a scholarship in Patricia Benjamin's name will be established at Greater Lawrence Technical School, 57 River Road, Andover, MA 01810.
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