Patricia W. Zelley

Patricia Ann Woodbury Zelley (“Pat”)

August 1, 1936- May 29, 2025

Patricia Ann Woodbury Zelley, affectionately known as “Pat”, died on May 29, 2025,

after a long battle with dementia. Born on August 1, 1936, Pat grew up in Weehawken,

New Jersey, and spend her summers in Jonesport, Maine. She attended Ursinus

College in Collegeville, Pennsylvania where she pursued her love of sports, playing on

the college women’s lacrosse, Basketball, softball and field hockey teams. Her passion

for field hockey took her as far as Europe for competitions as she competed as a

member of the U.S. Field Hockey Team. Later she was inducted into the Ursinus Hall of

Fame for Field Hockey, Women’s Lacrosse, Women’s Basketball, and softball. Pat

graduated with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and began her career as a

physical education teacher and girl’s coach.

After raising her family of three children, Pat returned to school at St. Vincent’s School

of Nursing in Worcester Massachusetts, where she graduated as a Registered Nurse

(RN). She dedicated her career to palliative care and oncology nursing at the University

of Massachusetts Medical Center. Pat lived for many years in Princeton Massachusetts,

where she raised her family and became an integral part of the community.

Pat is survived by her children: Alison Zelley Kenneway and her husband Seth of

Kennebunkport, Maine; Jamie Zelley and his wife Amy Dubovick of Princeton,

Massachusetts. Kyle Zelley of Princeton, Massachusetts. She was a loving

grandmother to seven grandchildren: William, Claudia, Katie, Joseph, Cassandra,

Dierdra, and Daniela.

In addition to her professional achievements, Pat was an active member of the

Princeton Fire Department, serving as an emergency medical technician and running on

the local ambulance. She was an avid tennis player, often seen on the town’s tennis

courts, and winning in Labor Day tennis tournaments. In her retirement, she continued

to follow her love of sports, traveling to Florida to watch the Boston Red Sox during

spring training.

Pat cherished time with her close-knit friend group, “The Knobs”, who enjoyed each

other’s company, traveled, found the best places to eat, hosted holiday parties,

exercised together, and played cards, especially bridge. She was also an avid reader.

Pat generously donated her body to science at UMass Medical Center in Worcester,

Massachusetts, continuing her legacy of helping others even after her passing.

A private memorial service will be held with the family. In honor of Pat, donations can be

made to the Princeton Firefighters/EMT Association, PO Box 37, Princeton, MA, 01541.