Helen Patricia "Pat" Mulloney

Social Welfare Worker Spent Decades Helping Children and Others

Helen Patricia “Pat” Mulloney, 79, of Beverly, died peacefully on June 5 at Kaplan Family Hospice House after a courageous battle against cancer. She is survived by her wife, Susan M. Drake, and their cat, Lola. 

Pat was born in San Francisco on February 28, 1946 to Daniel Clifford Mulloney and Helen Williams Saunders Mulloney. She was predeceased by her brother Daniel C. Mulloney III and was the granddaughter of Daniel Clifford Mulloney, the first Irish-American president of the First National Bank of Boston.

During her childhood, the family moved frequently due to her father's career in the US Air Force. Attending four different high schools, she enjoyed and excelled in sports, making friends in each new location.

Pat earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from North Texas State University and a Master's in Public Administration. She served more than four decades in child welfare, first as a caseworker at the Department of Public Welfare, and later serving as the statewide director of the Children in Need of Services (CHINS) program for the Department of Social Services (DSS), head of the child support program under Essex County District Attorney Kevin Burke and in roles at AIDS Action Committee and Strongest Link. She also served on the boards of HAWC and Social Advocates for Youth. After retiring, Pat enjoyed artistic careers as an interior painter and as a craftsperson.

Pat and Sue were among the first same-sex couples to be married in Massachusetts in 2004 having already enjoyed more than 25 years together. They traveled widely, enjoying adventures ranging from crossings on Queen Mary to Massachusetts road trips. 

Pat enjoyed many dear friendships, including the company of a special group of former colleagues who called themselves the “Killington Nine,” named after their first trip to Killington, VT decades ago.  

Donations in memory of Pat may be made to Kaplan Family Hospice House (caredimensions.org) or The Feline Hospital in Salem (thefelinehospital.com).

To offer online condolences please visit www.tlcfuneralhome.com

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