Patricia Ann (Garrison) Van Zele, of Carlisle, MA passed away on January 5, 2024 at the age of 79, peacefully surrounded by multiple generations of loving family members.

Pat, as she preferred to be called, was a sweet and loving wife, mother and grandmother whose passion in life was working on behalf of the most vulnerable, particularly children and animals. She worked as a school psychologist in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Virgina and Texas with all ages from K-12, but particularly enjoyed engaging with those in the middle school years.

In retirement, she volunteered as a CASA guardian ad litem advocating in court for children and providing ongoing support for affected families. Also, she served as a leader in the teen court, a diversion program for teens facing charges where, as an alternative to the criminal process, they could be judged by fellow teens who then worked with them toward a just and constructive resolution. While living in Tucson, she volunteered as a greeter at the Arizona-Sonoma Desert Museum, where she particularly enjoyed pointing visitors to her favorite Javelinas exhibit.

Outside of helping others, Pat enjoyed good food, wine, and great fiction, and was an accomplished cook. A lover of vodka tonics, Christmas ornaments, and comfy slippers, Pat relished the small pleasures in life. She had an easy laugh and a gentle presence that may have been understated, but whose absence cannot be denied, and it is being felt profoundly by her loved ones now.

Pat is survived by her loving husband of 58 years Roger, her children, Chris Van Zele and wife Diana Wang of Jersey City, NJ, and Kate and husband Adam Chojnacki of Carlisle, MA. She is also survived by her four grandchildren, Wrenley and Greta Chojnacki and Kai and Maia Van Zele, who were the lights of her life and who provided her with an immense amount of joy being their Nana. Additionally, she had four beloved siblings, Pam Krisak, Debbie Maier and John Garrison, as well as a brother Jim Garrison who predeceased her.

There will be no funeral service or public viewing. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date, per her wishes, "a gathering of family and friends to remember me and to celebrate the happiness which was my life." She requested that some excellent wines and Tito's vodka be served for all to enjoy and to toast all who made her life so worthwhile.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Save the Children .

Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.