Patricia A. Davenport 1946 – 2021

DAVENPORT, Patricia A. (lovingly known as Pooh), age 74, died peacefully in her home in Medford, MA on April 3, 2021, with her son and sister by her side. Patricia lived a full and happy life for 17 years after being diagnosed with metastatic cancer, thanks to exceptional medical care, the love and support of family and friends, and the joy of her two grandsons. Her adventurous spirit and love for travel brought her many memories and lifelong connections from across the world. She was an independent, dignified, and incredibly strong woman with a keen intellect and interest in world events. Her generous nature was always to help others, rooted in her core values of family and community.

For many years she worked as a dedicated ESL teacher at Somerville High School, instilling her passion for literature and writing in her teaching. She touched the lives of the many students that passed through her class, well beyond their graduation. In her later life, she played a central role in the childhood of her two beloved grandsons. Patricia’s wisdom, perseverance, and unyielding spirit were an example to all, blessing the people that surrounded her and providing a pillar of support for her family.

She is survived by her son, Federico Sparisci of Medford, MA and his wife, Cristina Martinez, and her two grandsons, Marcos and Diego Sparisci, to whom she was their loving “Bama.” She is also survived by her sister, Elizabeth Davenport of Lexington, MA and her husband, Harvy Simkovits; and was the beloved aunt of her niece and nephew, Mathew and Lana Simkovits. She was the caring sister of Rick Davenport and a wonderful influence on her family, friends, students, and colleagues. The deep love she gave others and values she believed in will live on in our hearts.

In light of the ongoing pandemic, the family has decided to have a small private service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to support the Jerry Younger, MD Endowed Chair in Breast Medical Oncology at the Mass General Cancer Center. Gifts can be made online at: https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate/ in the loving memory of “Patricia Davenport.”