Peabody…..


Patricia M (Leavitt) Zahler, age 73, of Peabody, died Sunday evening in the Rosewood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Peabody following a courageous battle with cancer. Her loving children and their families were always there for her, as she had been for them.


Born in Newton MA, she was raised by her parents, John and Floresten M. (Stickney) Leavitt, in Newton, MA where she attended local schools. Following her graduation from Newton High School, she had been employed in advertising and by the Foster Forbes, a bottle manufacturing co.


A curious person who believed in a life time of learning and experiences, she frequently advocated for those less fortunate and unable to do so. Mrs. Zahler moved her family to a race horse farm where not only did she care for own horses, but also bordered others having as many as 35 horses at a time. She felt that there was more to teach her children, so some, not so usual pets and animals also came under their care, such as raccoons, skunks (de sacked), rabbits, goats, a pet bull, and ferrets, as well as numerous cats and dogs. Along with all of this activity, came people and the opportunity to hear great stories, which her mom loved to tell, a gift and skill all her children and grandchildren enjoy today.

In addition to the farming and horse racing, she worked for the MA. State Prison System, as supervisor for Malden Mills, and then in the nursing field. Her greatest joy was caring for her family and in her retirement years, Mrs. Zahler helped care for her grandchildren Matthew, Christopher, and Eric.


Patricia is survived by four children, and 10 grandchildren: Marc and his wife Marie Zahler and their children Ryan and Brandon of Raymond, NH; Lee Zahler and his fiancée, Dawna Sullivan and their children Eric, Katelyn, and Amanda of Chelmsford; Beth and her husband Rick DiGiammario and their children Matthew and Christopher of Peabody; and Keith and his wife Jeannine and their children Kyjuana, Jeremy, and Zoey of Woonsocket, RI; a brother Michal and his wife Charlene Leavitt of Esko, MN, and nieces and nephews.


A Celebration of her life will be announced in June 2012. For additional information please contact the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St., Salem, 978 744 0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com where you can share online condolences and stories to which her family will respond. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Lahey Clinic, Philanthropy Office, 41 Mall Road, Burlington, MA 01805, Designate: Funds to be used for the Sophia Gordon Cancer -North Shore.