We Remember
Gordon S. Matheson, PhD
Gordon S. Matheson passed away suddenly at his home in Rutland, Mass., March 7, 2023. He was born in Springfield, Mass., November 11, 1942, to the late Malcolm and Mabel Matheson. He graduated from Olivet College in Michigan and earned a master’s degree and CAGS from Assumption and a doctorate from UMass Amherst. He taught middle school for five years and then had a 38-year career as a professor of psychology at Worcester State University, where he was a popular and inspirational teacher and was active in college government and union activities.
Dr. Matheson and his wife, Joline, were inseparable companions, and after retirement they traveled the world, visiting more than 100 countries. He particularly loved New Zealand, the European capitals, and the American Southwest. He never lost his love of learning and recently took great interest in local history. He also was a Boston Bruins fan. He will be remembered as a marvelous storyteller with a brilliant mind and great sense of humor.
Mary P. (Walsh) Moran ’57, MEd ’82
Mary P. (Walsh) Moran, 88, passed away Thursday, February 9, 2023, in her home, surrounded by her loving family. Mary was the first baby born in 1935 in Memorial Hospital in Worcester. She was the daughter of James and Elizabeth (McGovern) Walsh of Ireland. Her loving husband of 50 years, Donald “Mickey” Moran, predeceased her in 2009.
Mary loved teaching and inspired thousands of students throughout her career. She was named Teacher of the Year in Worcester in 1992 and awarded the Key to the City. She was president of the Jesse Burkett League in Worcester and co-directed hundreds of high school kids in musical shows at Christ the King Church. She suffered a stroke in 2020, resulting in loss of speech and mobility. Her daughters Maura and Erin were with her every week to enable her to stay in independent living at Southgate in Shrewsbury. Her family are grateful to the Southgate team and all the caregivers helping Mary over these last few years.
Patrick John O’Connor, EdD
Patrick John (“PJ”) O’Connor, 84, a dynamic high school English teacher and retired professor of education at Worcester State University, died on January 20, 2023, after a brief illness. He was born to Eleanor and Patrick O’Connor and was raised in Worcester. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Assumption College and a master’s degree from Niagara University. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in Parris Island, SC, and acquired an EdD in educational psychology from UMass Amherst in 1977 and completed a post-doctoral study at Harvard University.
He taught high school English for 40 years in the Worcester Public Schools, mostly at South High School, and then became an assistant professor of education at Worcester State, where he taught until he retired. He was a powerful and impassioned teacher who left his mark on generations of students. He was awarded Educator of the Year in 1995 by Phi Delta Kappa. His interests were many: traveling, Irish culture, the Red Sox, Patriots, and Celtics.
