GRAY – Patricia Joanne Wood (Thurlow), 45, received her wings to be with God on Jan. 3. She fought a gallant and courageous battle with a brain tumor for over 17 years.

“Pat” was the very proud daughter to Robert Listin and Constance Marie (Avery) Thurlow. She was born on Feb. 3, 1959, at Maine Medical and grew up in Yarmouth.

Her dad, Robert, passed away in March of 1992 and had been greatly missed.

She graduated from Yarmouth High School in 1977. She worked taking care of the elderly and she loved helping others.

She met Robert William Wood “Woody” in 1976. Several years later, she married and had two beautiful sons.

They were blessed on March 2, 1982 with the birth of Jonathan Robert and again blessed on Jan. 2, 1985 with the birth of James William.

They separated the end of 1986 and later divorced. On Feb. 2, 1987, one month after Woody and Pat separated, she was diagnosed with her first brain tumor.

In June 1987, Pat met William Jeffery Anketell “Bill” who has been her companion ever since.

On Nov. 9, 1988, they were blessed with their daughter, Jessica Marie.

Soon after Jessica’s first birthday, Pat had her first surgery to remove her brain tumor. Pat had several recurrent tumors there after. She was determined to live each day and not allow a brain tumor to put her life on hold.

In 1996, Pat became her daughter Jessica’s caregiver with her diagnosis of syringomyelia (a spinal cord cyst disorder). She was a very strong advocate for Jessica, medically, and for her education.

She was also an Auxiliary Member of Post 86 American Legion.

It was the greatest honor and passion in her life to have her three children; Jon, James, and Jess, who were her world.

She is survived and will be greatly missed by children, Jon, James and Jessica; her companion, Bill; her mom, Constance Thurlow, her big sis, Elizabeth “Betsey” Barter; brother-in-law, Fred; nephews, Ed and Dan; her little bro, Robert “Bub” Thurlow Jr.; and nieces Laura and Katie; also the many friends throughout her life.