Brigid Patricia Mullins

Dr. Brigid P. “Patty” Mullins, of Scituate and formerly Stoughton, MA, passed peacefully to her eternal reward on Monday, October 23rd. Patty was born March 14, 1925 in Killeeneen, County Galway, Ireland. She was eldest of the five children born to Dr. Patrick and Margaret (Walsh) Mullins. She is survived by her brother Padraic Mullins and sister Tessie Mullins Feldman and was predeceased by the late Mary Mullins Anson and Sean Mullins, as well as nieces Niamh and Mary B. Anson. She is aunt to two generations of nieces and nephews, beloved by countless cousins and godchildren, all of whom she adored.

Patty would accompany her father on rounds as a young girl and was heartbroken when she lost him at the age of 13. Before his passing, her father had put her Aunt Tess through medical school. In true Irish fashion, that same aunt put Patty through medical school. Upon completing her boards, she became a psychiatrist in London and helped put her younger siblings through school, including medical school for her brother Sean.

Patty later moved to the U.S. to retrain as a neurologist. After an internship in Burlington, VT and a residency at Cleveland Clinics in Ohio, she settled in Boston because there was a direct flight back to Galway. It was there where she met and was adopted by Dr. Fred and Betty Ayers and their young family. She lived briefly in Jamaica Plain, then settled in Stoughton for 34 years before retiring with the Ayers in Scituate.

Patty had endless stories of growing up in rural western Ireland surrounded by her siblings, numerous cousins and many strong women, some of whom were instrumental in the 1916 Rising. She was a disciplined student and a fearless, “sturdy” Camogie player (women’s hurling). Her work ethic was unparalleled; many Brockton Hospital patients would receive a neurology consult because their doctors knew she would do a thorough history and physical. She was a selfless host and generous provider to the very end.

When not working, Patty travelled the world, hiked and skied wherever she could (including the Alps) and spent as much time as possible at her beloved camp in Fayston, VT. She was known for her boeuf bourguignon, trifle, goose with potato stuffing and coffee cake, often earning a visit from the fire department along the way. Patty never showed up without two pounds of M&M’s. Upon retiring, she took up golf and would show up daily to play with whomever needed a fourth. Any subject of conversation elicited a poem or ditty recited from memory; there were hundreds. Patty will be dearly missed by the many who crossed her path.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to South Shore Hospice.