Patricia E (Costelloe) Bellefontaine

Patricia Elizabeth Bellefontaine (née Brigid Elizabeth Costelloe (or Costello)), 95, of Braintree, Massachusetts (formerly of Cohasset, Massachusetts) passed away on August 7, 2024.  Beloved wife of the late Joseph I. Bellefontaine and devoted mother of Maureen L. Bellefontaine, married to David MacDonald, of Braintree, Massachusetts; Ann E. Bellefontaine, married to James J. Beaton, of Watertown, Massachusetts; and John J. Bellefontaine, married to Alice M. Bellefontaine, of Cohasset, Massachusetts.  Loving grandmother of Lauren R. and Brandon D. Bellefontaine.  Patricia also leaves behind a brother, Joseph Costello, of Sligo, Ireland.

Patricia was born in Drummacool, County Sligo, Ireland in 1928 to the late James and Catherine (McTiernan) Costelloe.  At the age of 20 she came to the United States with the assistance of her aunt who resided in Massachusetts.  She traveled by plane, which was a novel experience back in 1949 and even more so for the daughter of a farmer from rural Sligo County.  She lived in Cambridge and worked as a house cleaner to support herself.

In 1957 she became a citizen of the United States, at which time she changed her first name from Brigid to Patricia. Although she was a proud U.S. citizen, her heart remained in her homeland with the many relatives and friends she left behind.

In 1958 she married Joseph. Together they raised their three children on a farm (which was unique in Cohasset). Joseph died in 1975.  From that point on, Patricia raised her three then teenage children by herself, working a variety of jobs (from house cleaning to cafeteria worker) to support her family.

Patricia retained her Irish brogue to the delight of many, even if they found her difficult to understand.  Patricia loved Irish music, gardening, her pets through the years, and spending time with friends and family.  She will be remembered as a devoted mother who would do anything for her children, a kind and generous person, and a champion of the rights of animals.

A private service and burial will take place at Woodside Cemetery in Cohasset, Massachusetts.

Donations in her memory may be made to Scituate Animal Shelter (scituateanimalshelter.org) or MSPCA (mspca.org).

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