SEATTLE – Ruth Patricia Lemaire, “Pat”, passed away on Jan. 9, 2023, at the age of 86 in Seattle, Wash., with her daughter Amy Lemaire by her side.

Pat Lemaire was born on May 26, 1936, in Boston, to father William and mother Ruth McSweeney. Pat resided in, Arlington, Massachusetts, with her father, mother, two brothers, and sister William, Richard and Phyliss.

A passionate teacher and dedicated educator for decades, Pat attended Boston College and graduated with a BA in Education. On July 12, 1960, she married Raymond Lemaire at St. Agnes Church in Arlington, Mass. They settled in Ray’s hometown of Lewiston, Maine, to make a family and a life.

Pat was an active teacher, a committed community member, and a tireless voice for those who lacked one. As a member and chair person of Head Start, the Maine Education Association, the National Education Association, and the Lewiston Education Association, Pat supported the role of public education and its virtues. As a delegate to the Democratic National Convention from Maine, Pat exercised her civic duty to her county and country. As a board member of the Workers Compensation Board and the Lewiston Housing Authority, she helped balance the needs of all community members. And as an elected state representative to the Maine legislature, she fought for the rights of her constituents and community, earning her a Cesar Chavez award for her work and dedication.

Upon retirement, Pat moved to Sarasota, Florida, to be closer to friends and family, until relocating to Seattle to spend more time with her daughter.

She is survived by her sister, Phyliss Lane of Miami Florida, her daughter Amy Lemaire of Seattle, Washington, and son Tim Lemaire of Lewiston Maine; along with many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her brothers, William and Richard. Her husband Ray and son Peter.
In memory of Pat, donations can be made to Promise Early Education http://www.promiseearlyeducation.org/donate/ an organization that was true to her heart