SOUTH DEERFIELD – Patricia Ann “Pat” Cielsa, 83, passed away peacefully Thursday morning at her home. Pat was born in Worcester, a daughter of Irish immigrants (Co.’s Roscommon & Kerry), Thomas & Anna (Donoghue) McGreevy. She grew up in Worcester, attending local schools, graduating from the Academy of the Sacred Heart and the Ward School of Business. She worked in Worcester and Darthmouth, NH in her younger years, before meeting John Ciesla, and they were soon married. Initially living in New Hampshire, then Greenfield before settling in South Deerfield in 1974. John and Patricia built their home and raised their family there and would reside here for the next 50+ years. Patricia was involved as a childcare specialist, caring for numerous children in South Deerfield over the years. She especially was adept at handling twins, that Irish lilt in her voice and gentle touch led people to call her the baby -whisperer. She was very active in South Deerfield, a communicant of Holy Family church, longtime member of the South Deerfield’s Women Club and the South County Senior Center, where she was a familiar presence. She had many wonderful friends and spent time with them as much as possible, whether taking trips or doing crafts at the Senior Center. She will miss you all ! She loved the beach, especially Hampton Beach in NH. Shopping in those little unique gift shops anywhere she went. She had an eye for fashion and loved to show off a new outfit. Pat’s beloved husband, John “Jack” Ciesla passed away on May 13, 2014. She was also predeceased by her parents, Thomas & Anna and siblings; Kathleen Martellotta and Ellen Lewis. Pat leaves her loving children; Tammy M. Ciesla and her partner Charles Turner of Windsor, MA and John Thomas Ciesla of South Deerfield. Her dear sister, Mary McGreevy of Simsbury, CT and many nieces, nephews and especially her “grand-dogs”, Irish Red & White Setters that she spoiled and loved. Mom, (Pat) was a ray of light. She walked into any room and lit it up with her kindred spirit. She not only cared for all her little children she took care of, but she cared deeply for her family and friends. And she absolutely adored her grand dog "Tippy". She leaves a lifetime of friends near and far, especially her South Deerfield friends who will always be near and dear to her heart. So many hearts have been deeply touched by her genuine love and laughter. And one last wish as we celebrate her vibrant life... since she loved bright colors and flowers, we will come dressed in colorful colors to celebrate her, and we ask all who attend to do so, as this is what she loved! 

The family will receive friends at AHEARN FUNERAL HOME, 783 Bridge Rd., Northampton on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 8:30 to 10:30 A.M. There will be a Religious Service at the Funeral Home at 10:30 a.m. with a light luncheon to follow.

 Burial will be in the afternoon in St. Michael’s Cemetery in Springfield. (Directions will be available for those who wish to attend). 

To honor her memory and love for children, we kindly ask for donations to be made to the St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.