Patricia “Patsy” (McCluskey) Larson, 80, lifelong resident of Vernon Hill, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, May 20, 2020 with her loving children by her side.

She was born in Worcester on August 11, 1939, daughter of Bernard F. and Mary A. (Bolton) McCluskey and graduated from the David Hale Fanning Girls Trade School. Patsy stayed home to raise her children and she took great pride in her family and home. Her husband and children were her world but Patsy was always there to help with her nephews, nieces and friend’s children too. She was affectionately known as “Ma Larson” to many. In later years Patsy worked as a Pharmacy Technician at InstaCare Pharmacy in Worcester and she lovingly cared for and assisted Martin Burke for many years. She was proud to say she had lived on Vernon Hill her entire life and was a proud member of the Vernon Hill Auxiliary Post 435. She always enjoyed the many years as a crossing guard at Vernon and Upsala Street Schools.

Patsy was predeceased by her best friend and husband of 50 years, Carl N. “Barney” Larson on August 9, 2010. She is survived by three sons, Robert C. Larson and his fiancé, Luz of Sutton, Steven N. “Tweety” Larson of Worcester, Scott E. Larson of Worcester and daughter-in-law, Morna of Millbury; her beloved daughter, Cheryl Mara of Shrewsbury and her companion Marco; five grandchildren, Brian Larson of Worcester, Stephanie Livingstone of Auburn, Callie Sean Mara of Worcester, Casey Lee Larson of Worcester, Amanda Jane Larson of Millbury and three great grandchildren, Alexis Marie and Benjamin Livingstone and Mia Marie Albino. Patsy also leaves her brother, Richard W. McCluskey and his wife Phyllis of Leicester, four sisters-in-law, Margaret McCluskey, Rosie McCluskey, Linda Johnson and Marilyn McKay. Patsy also leaves many nephews and nieces and great nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her sister Betty Ann Gregoriou and her husband Tony, three brothers, Byron McCluskey, Robert and his wife Delores McCluskey and John “Kickie” McCluskey.

Patsy cherished all her summers spent at the Worcester Surf Casting Club on the Cape Cod Canal with her family and friend’s families. She was a member of the Bourne VFW Post 5988. Patsy and Barney enjoyed many winters at Golden Acres in Dunedin, FL. She continued to go there after Barney’s death and created many wonderful friendships with local Dunedin’s and fellow “snow birds” from Canada.

When the time came that Patsy needed additional help and care her children and grandchildren did so with open hearts and provided her with the constant care and devotion as she did for them throughout their lives. They would like to thank the staff at Beaumont Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for the wonderful care she received while there, especially Majenga, Dorothy and her hospice nurse, Jennette. They would also like to thank the caring staff at Shrewsbury Nursing and Rehabilitation where Patsy spent her last few weeks under the care of Lyn and the Notre Dame Hospice team. Her family cannot thank everyone enough for the exceptional accommodations made at the end of her life.

Visiting hours to celebrate Patsy’s life will be held on Tuesday, May 26th from 4 until 7pm at Callahan, Fay & Caswell Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle Street. A Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, May 27th at 11am at Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Avenue, Paxton. Please note that due to the current state restrictions because of the Corona Virus, precautionary measures will be in place including social distancing, limiting the number of visitors in the funeral home at a time and the use of facial masks.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vernon Hill American Legion Post 435 Child Welfare Fund, In Memory of Patricia Larson, 267 Providence Street, Worcester, MA 01607.