Patricia Garrett

PORTLAND/HOLMES BEACH, Fla. – Patricia “Pat” Garrett, 79, of Portland and Holmes Beach, Fla., died on March 2, 2023 after a year-long struggle with colon cancer.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Oliver Woshinsky, who passed away in 2019.

She and Oliver spent 30 years together and had a wonderful, loving and caring life in their New England, Florida and Maryland homes, and on their countless travel excursions around the U.S.A. and the world.

She leaves behind an adoring family including her sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and George Ball, her sister-in-law, Shari Garrett; and her stepson and daughter-in-law, David Woshinsky and Marjan Sedgh. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews and their children.

Pat was an accomplished biochemist, earning an undergraduate degree at St. Francis College in Pennsylvania, a master’s degree at Georgetown University in Washington D.C., and a doctorate from the University of Colorado, Boulder. She conducted cutting-edge research on HIV/AIDS at SeraCare Life Sciences from 1988-2012 and at Immunetics, Inc. from 2014-2017. She published numerous articles over the course of her career and served as a role model to many young scientists. One of her colleagues described her as “a wise and sage mentor to all, always going out of her way to help and educate others.” Pat retired in 2017 to care for her husband and to spend more time on Anna Maria Island, but continued to remain active in her field by opening her own consulting firm specializing in quality control, method evaluation, and infectious disease testing.

After their marriage in 1990, Pat and Oliver bought and renovated a large 19th-century house in Portland’s West End, where they loved to host gatherings of their wide circle of friends. No one ever attended a party at Pat and Oliver’s without making some new acquaintances.

In recent years, Pat enjoyed exercising, practicing yoga with friends, and dining out at neighborhood restaurants. Pat had a generous soul and, in addition to leaving big tips, was a regular donor to a variety of charities.

She was thoughtful, compassionate, and loved making new friends, many of whom she remained in regular touch with around the country and the world. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.