We at SeniorsPlus are saddened by the passing of our former Board Chair, Patricia Vampatella of New Gloucester, and very grateful for her tireless support of our organization that continued through to the week before her death.
Pat passed away on Saturday, February 21, at the age of 82.
Pat began her service as a board member for SeniorsPlus in February 2005 and served (except for a one-year hiatus) until June 2023. Since then, she has continued to serve as a community member of the Development Committee of the board.
“She was an amazing woman who was a force to be reckoned with,” said President and CEO Betsy Sawyer-Manter, who met Pat when she was on her hiring committee. “As I soon found out, she was a warm, funny, and kind woman with a heart of gold.”
In 2022, she was nominated by SeniorsPlus and recognized by UnitedHealthcare as one of their New England Champions. The award celebrates New Englanders 65 and older who make extraordinary contributions to the health and well-being of their communities. She was selected for her outstanding community service and invited to the ceremony in Massachusetts hosted by none other than Doug Flutie, former BC, NFL, and CFL quarterback. She was thrilled beyond measure and was able to gift the nonprofit of her choice with $5,000. She chose SeniorsPlus and specifically the new Encompass Center that is currently under construction. She was our very first “investor” in this visionary project.
Pat was very accomplished, and very devoted to her community and to her family. “People like Pat are what makes communities thrive,” said Sawyer-Manter. “Not only did she volunteer with us, but she engaged in her town committees and, of course, the Senior College, as the lifelong learner that she was. I will miss Pat and her love of SeniorsPlus, her pride in her family, and the love of her life, Phil.”