Patricia M. Kodzis

Patricia Kodzis passed away peacefully of natural causes on January 21 st 2026 at the age of 92
surrounded by her family and friends.
Born December 16, 1933 Paticia Kodzis was the fourth daughter of Thomas and Louise Quigley
in Chelsea, Ma. She adored and looked up to her three siblings Mary, Louise and Lorraine. That
love and affection was the start of a long history of being the core connector for her nieces and
nephews.
Pat, lived in Chelsea her fist 37 years. In high school at the age of 15, she came across this
handsome young lad who was the hall safety officer, Ed Kodzis. It was love at first sight for both
of them. Pat would tell stories about telling her mother she was going on her first date with Ed.
She asked about his last name, when she heard Kodzis, her mom grabbed her head with both
hands and cried your dating a mad Russian, of course Ed was Polish. As the years went on Ed
became the son that her mother never had and lived under the same roof until Louise passed in
1976.
Pat’s three sisters were all nurses, that would not be the course for her, she decided to become
an educator. She attended Boston University and graduated Suma Cum laude from the School
of Education and later a master’s degree in education from Boston College. The beginning and
end of her teaching career would be in Melrose Ma. She held numerous positions from 7 th
grade history teacher, junior high counselor, high school director of guidance and lastly principal
of the junior high school until her retirement. She loved kids! She loved the ones who were
rough around the edges and were struggling, that was her sweet spot. She was tough,
demanding, loving and supportive of her students. She knew how to speak to them with respect
and in turn she was respected. It was not unusual to walk around Melrose and find someone to
say Mrs. Kodzis was my favorite teacher or she helped me so much when I was in trouble.
Her biggest love was her family. Starting with her husband Ed. If there was a match in heaven
made this was the one, they only spent a week apart their whole marriage. They moved to
Melrose in 1970 where they raised three sons who all graduated from Melrose High School.
They loved their nieces and nephews as much as their three children. Memories are abundant
for taking them skiing and camping to summers on the Cape. Her love of the holidays was
shared by all. Thanksgivings to Christmas eve to just the old fashion Sunday dinners. This love
for her family continued until her passing. There was no bigger fan of her nieces and nephews,
it did not take long for her to start bragging about one of them. In turn she was considered the
favorite aunt, Aunt Patty, Aunt Patrish the one you called to feel better about yourself.
Pat spent the last 16 years, since her husband’s death split between California with her son
Kevin’s family and Cape Cod. She delighted in her 6 grandchildren. She got more than her fill
of sports not missing many games from lacrosse, baseball, tennis, football, soccer, field hockey
and her favorite Basketball. More than anything she loved watching her granddaughter Karly
play basketball. She was a huge supporter of title 9 and women’s sports . She held education
to the highest standard for her grandchildren, encouraging them to get their college degrees and
was there to participate in their graduations.
Cape Cod was her happy place! She kept busy. if she wasn’t walking her 2-3 miles a day to the
beach rain or shine, she was at a book club, golfing or having cocktails with her newly formed
Widow’s club. After Ed’s passing, she decided to start a Widow’s club, to help deal with grieving

women and help with that transition. That was a blessing to so many. The Cape was always
filled with cookouts and dinners with her nieces and nephews. Her son Kevin and his family
would always vacation for a couple weeks on the Cape and that filled her with nonstop activity in
the house. Memories of her sitting out in the backyard sipping on tea reading the paper and
giving advise are endless.
Her last two years were spent at Clearwater Assisted living in North Tustin California by her son
Kevins. Being pragmatic as she always was, she knew she needed more assistance. Well,
being the witty smart lady she was, she became known as Boston Pat quickly. Making new
friendships, playing cards, daily walks and exercise classes kept her busy. A favorite of the staff
she would try her best to communicate in kindness to each one of them daily, even trying out
some words in Spanish.
Patricia leaves behind her a legacy and champion of family and family values. A strong family
meant you were going to have a strong community. If you were in trouble that is when her
wisdom and kindness would shine through. At the end her body just could not keep up with her
will. We are all a bit better having her as part of our lives.
Patricia was preceded in death by her husband Edward Kodzis and her daughter Petrie Kodzis.
She is survived by her son Edward Kodzis Jr of Canton Ma and his wife Cheryl and
grandchildren Kaitlyn, Brian and Kyle. Son Kevin Kodzis of North Tustin, CA his wife Lynne and
grandchildren Karly, Kevin Jr and Trevor. Her 10 nieces and nephews, Thomas, Maureen,
Mairead, Patty Ann, David/Jay, Michael, Ann, Clare, John and Christopher.

In lieu of flower please make donation to
McDonalds Homeless Ministry/Trinity United Presbyterian Church
13922 Prospect Ave
Santa Ana, CA 92705

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