WILBRAHAM, Mass. (WWLP) - A woman from Wilbraham who devoted time as a School Committee member in Springfield has passed away at the age of 83. First Black woman superintendent to lead Springfield Public Schools Patricia "Pat" Correira was born and raised in Springfield and devoted much of her time to education. She served on the Springfield School Committee for 12 years, serving as Vice-Chairman before retiring. Thereafter she was a legislative aide to Senator Linda Melconian in the Massachusetts State Senate and the 2nd Vice President of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC). She was well-known in the education industry as she traveled throughout the state to advocate for students. On Thursday, Senator Jake Oliveira honored the memory of Pat by formally requesting the Senate adjourn in her honor. Senator Oliveira highlighted her role as a mentor and friend from the start of his public service career on the Ludlow School Committee, "Pat was not only a mentor to me; she was a dear friend." A moment of silence was held at the State House in Boston to recognize her profound impact on the community and her unwavering dedication to public service.   Sampson Chapel of the Acres on Tinkham Road in Springfield will hold visiting hours on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The family is requesting donations in lieu of flowers to the Roberta Doering Scholarship fund run by MASC, Diamond Dogs Rescue of New Jersey, or TJ O'Connor Animal Control Adoption in Springfield. Local News Big Y temporarily closes all delis after Boar’s Head recall Southampton officers recognized for helping elderly woman during heat wave Community leader, Patricia Correira of Wilbraham passes away Springfield officers recognized for helping disabled family in need WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.