Patricia Ann Fernandes

Patricia Ann (OHern) Fernandes, 54, of West Main Street, Norton, died unexpectedly at her residence on Friday, August 26, 2011 following an illness. Born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island on March 21, 1957, she was the daughter of Joyce Strynar of Plainville and the late Walter N. OHern. She was the stepdaughter of Carl E. Strynar of South Attleboro. Raised and educated in Attleboro, Ms. Fernandes was a 1975 graduate of Attleboro High School. She obtained her Bachelors degree in Applied Sciences from Rhode Island College and her L.P.N. certification from the Community College of Rhode Island. Prior to her illness, Ms. Fernandes was employed as a nurse for more than 25 years at the former Bristol Nursing Home in Attleboro and at New England Sinai and Goddard Memorial Hospital. She moved to Norton three weeks ago from North Attleboro where she had been a longtime resident. Described as a spiritual woman, she devoted her life to her family. Ms. Fernandes had a lifelong love for animals and recently began volunteering her time to the betterment and welfare of animals. She was proud of her Irish heritage and loved to listen to music, particularly classic rock n roll. She was a member of the Massachusetts Army Reserve program from 1980-1987. PV2 served in the 455th General Hospital. In addition to her mother and stepfather, she leaves a daughter: Shannon Smith-Heron of Pawtucket, Rhode Island; a sister: Kerry L. Emerson and her husband, Raymond E. Emerson, of Cumberland, Rhode Island; a brother: Christopher C. Strynar and his wife, Michelle (Yurof) Strynar, of Norton; an adopted sister: Michele A. Choiniere of North Attleboro and she was auntie to several loving and cherished nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Kelli OHern Baker. Family and friends are cordially invited to attend a Celebration of Her Life on Friday, September 9, 2011 at 12:00 in the Memorial Chapel of Dyer-Lake Funeral Home 161 Commonwealth Avenue (exit 5 off I-95 N or S, go right at end of ramp, mile on left), North Attleboro. Family members will greet extended family members and friends at the conclusion of services only. The family will then proceed to Mount Hope Cemetery and Arboretum, Mount Hope Street, North Attleboro at the conclusion of services for committal prayers and burial. Childrens room available during services. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in memory of Mrs. Fernandes and may be made to the Dyer-Lake Charitable Foundation, Inc., a registered 501 (c) (3) organization, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, North Attleboro, MA 02760 to benefit the North Attleboro Animal Shelter. To send the family an expression of sympathy, please visit an on-line register book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com . Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. (508) 695-0200.