Patricia Tucker was a longstanding member of the Middletown Rotary Club, working tirelessly over the years to support numerous notable projects within in our community. After her death, the Club searched for ways to honor her legacy and support her passion for literacy and education.
Middletown Rotary Club reached out to Pat’s sister and beneficiary of her estate, Jane Vergnes, to discuss creating a fund in Pat’s name to honor her memory and continue the good work that she believed in. The Club then initiated discussions with the Middlesex Community Foundation, with an eventual Endowed Designated Fund established through Pat’s estate.
In collaboration with the Club, the Community Foundation has discretionary authority to invest the assets and make distributions on an annual basis, with particular focus on literacy and the joy of reading, as well as educational programs which foster both. An initial sum will be distributed immediately to pursue community literacy projects as determined by the Club Board of Directors.
In collaboration with the Club, the Community Foundation has discretionary authority to invest the assets and make distributions on an annual basis, with particular focus on literacy and the joy of reading, as well as educational programs which foster both. An initial sum will be distributed immediately to pursue community literacy projects as determined by the Club Board of Directors.
Pat earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Tufts University, and a master’s degree from the University of Connecticut. After over twenty years as a mental health professional, she changed careers and started her own personal chef business, which brought her as much joy as it brought to her happy and loyal clients.
An avid reader, Pat especially loved participating in the Club's literacy focused projects. She started and led the One Book program on behalf of Rotary for the City of Middletown for over ten years. Each year, her committee reviewed and considered several books before choosing one to be read by a diverse group within the city. In addition, various events and discussion groups related to the book and its message were held for all age groups. Through the One Book program, the City of Middletown and our Club joined a cutting-edge national movement in cities all over the country while promoting literacy within our community. All involved became better readers and thinkers from the program and Pat’s tireless efforts.
An active member of the Rotary Club of Middletown for over twenty years, Pat was elected early on to the Club’s board of directors, where she became secretary. In time, due in great part to her vast knowledge base and prodigious memory thereof, Pat became the unofficial club historian. Over subsequent years, she continued to faithfully serve in this position.
A multiple Paul Harris Award recipient, Pat truly embodied Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self”. Her legacy will live on through the generous fund established in her memory, and she would be proud of the continuation of her work throughout the coming years.
Thank you, Pat. You are missed by your friends, by your Club, and by the community you selflessly served.
A special thank you to those Club members who thoughtfully shared their hearts and their words for the preparation of this story.