Patricia June (McNamara) Drinkwater
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Published in December 2024
Patricia June (McNamara) Drinkwater passed away peacefully on Friday, December 27, 2024, surrounded by her husband and two daughters. Patti, 67, was a retired Beverly school teacher who possessed a love of gardening, baking, and anything to do with the beach, ocean breeze, and adventure. She was known by so many for her famous lemon pound cakes because it was her mission to ensure those whom she loved felt her love. She shared these for special occasions, holidays, a visit to the doctor, or just because. Her goal in life was to wake each day to see the sunrise, smell the morning coffee, and bring smiles, laughter, and happiness to others.
Patti spent over 20 years shaping young minds at North Beverly Elementary School. Her legacy lives on in the hundreds of students she guided and in the lifelong bonds she shared with her colleagues. Her gentle wisdom extended far beyond the classroom—Patti’s heart was as vast as the ocean she loved.
Throughout her life, Patti cultivated a circle of friends who became family. Whether hosting weekly football parties, camping and canoeing, meeting for coffee on the beach, or celebrating milestones, these friendships were her bedrock. Together, they raised children who grew up as close companions and supported one another through life’s challenges.
Patti is survived by her beloved husband, Allen, with whom she shared 44 years of marriage, her daughters Katie Drinkwater and her partner Joe DiCamillo of San Francisco, CA, and Elisabeth Drinkwater and her husband Tyler Vuylsteke of Beverly, MA. She was a proud grandmother to Sloane and Sienna Vuylsteke, whose giggles and hugs were her greatest treasures. Patti’s sisters, Barbara Doyle of Granby, CT, and Susan Fahey of Westfield, MA, along with her many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews, were sources of immense pride and joy for her.
Patti’s light may have dimmed on earth, but it shines on in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know her. As she taught us every day, may we greet the morning with gratitude, cherish one another deeply, and find beauty in life’s small wonders.
A candlelight service will be held in Patti’s honor on Monday, December 30, 2024, at 6:00 pm at First Parish Church in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA, preceded by visitation at 4:30 pm. Patti’s enduring wish was for a celebration of her life, filled with joy, laughter, and memories, to take place by the sea next summer. Details will be shared with loved ones in the months to come. In lieu of flowers, Patti’s family requests donations be made to Compassionate Care ALS to continue her fight against this heartbreaking disease and to support other families touched by ALS. Arrangements under the direction of the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly. Information, directions, and condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.
