Patricia A. Calato

Patricia A. "Trish" Calato, 40, of Amherst, NH, died December 27, 2003 of breast cancer at her home.

Born April 6, 1963, in Ayer, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of Mary Callahan-Guthrie and the late James D. Guthrie. She lived in Ayer, Massachusetts and moved to Amherst in 1991.

Trish was employed by Digital Equipment Corporation for 12 years. She married her husband Paul on September 29, 1990. She left the corporate world when her first son was born and became a devoted mother raising her two sons.

She was a member of the Bedford Presbyterian Church where she taught Sunday school, vacation church school, and was the costume director for the children's Christmas musical. She volunteered for many public school activities. In addition she was a talented painter, passionate cook, and beloved friend. She especially loved caring for and spending time with her family.

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997 she spoke openly about her illness and reached out to other cancer patients. She was an advocate of the Share the Care program and developed an organized care system modeled by her experience, which she implemented and shared with many cancer patients. She will be remembered for her ability to reach out and make people feel good, her humor, courage, positive spirit and straightforward manner.

Family members include her husband Paul A. Calato, of Amherst, NH; two sons, Harrison Calato and Cameron Calato, both of Amherst, NH; her mother of Ayer, MA; a brother; James D. Guthrie Jr. of Townsend, MA; a dear uncle and aunt; Mr. and Mrs. Donald F. Guthrie of Ayer, MA; and 3 special friends; Trish Gagnon of Bedford, NH, Mary Epstein of Amherst, NH and Kathleen McNamara of Amherst, NH; many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was Wednesday December 31, 2003 at the Bedford Presbyterian Church, 4 Church Road, Bedford, NH. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Innisfree Cancer Help, P.O. Box 717, One South Street, Concord, NH 03302-0717.