Patricia Anne Mathews of Vineyard Haven died Nov. 27 at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. She was 71.

She was born in Providence, R.I., on May 21, 1936 to George H. and Dorothy Stockett, and was the granddaughter of Joseph G. and Ethel LeCount.

She attended Boston University and had a far-reaching career. As deputy director of the Urban League of Rhode Island, she advocated fair employment practices and community involvement. She later served as a staff member under the former governor of Rhode Island, J. Joseph Garrahy.

Patricia retired from state service as chief public information officer for the Department of Children, Youth and Families. Among the many issues that she worked on were the rewriting of minority business enterprise order and the creation of a program for Southeast Asians to grow produce. She also worked to start a drop-in center for the youth of the city of East Providence, R.I.

Her grandfather, Joseph G. LeCount, was a staunch supporter of the Providence branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and so it was no wonder that she developed black history classes while working as a program development adviser at Rhode Island College.

She was a founding member of the Providence Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the East Providence Community Center. She was a former board member of John Hope Settlement House, Minority Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitative Services; Children’s Museum; Community Service leader with Rhode Island Congress of Racial Equality; Providence Shelter; United Way; South Providence Tutorial; Leadership Rhode Island; Community College of Rhode Island; the Opportunities Industrialization Center; Rhode Island Commission on Women; and many other various community advocacy organizations.

During her time on the Vineyard, she became endeared for her enthusiasm for getting the job done. She was treasurer of the local chapter of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, and a member of the Friends of Nathan Mayhew Seminars, a postsecondary educational institution.

She believed that it takes a village to raise a child, and was driven to do whatever she could for Rhode Island and her community. Her commitment to community service, compassion for all and Christian beliefs, were acknowledged with many awards and scores of recognition. She was most proud, however, of the countless hearts and minds that she was able to touch by shared respect and caring.

She was very proud of her family: Keith Mathews and wife Maria, Kevin Mathews and wife Maryann; her grandchildren Keira, Janel and husband Kyle, Crystal, Michael, Kevin Jr., Antonio; and her great-grandchildren Jakhi and Khalil. Her partner of 27 years, Kenneth Gross, as well as family and friends, will remember her with love and affection.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to her favorite charities will be appreciated: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Providence Alumnae Chapter, P.O. Box 40175, Providence, RI 02940; Urban League of Rhode Island, 246 Prairie avenue, Providence, RI 02905-2397; NAACP-Providence Branch, P.O. Box 5767, Providence, RI 02903; and/or the NAACP of Martha’s Vineyard Branch, P.O. Box 1513, Oak Bluffs MA 02557.

Her family wishes to extend heartfelt appreciation to everyone for all of their prayers and support during this very difficult time.