Patricia A. McKiernan, 78, of Rice Terrace, Branford, died in New Haven on April 2. Born in New Haven on Dec. 8, 1932, she was the daughter of the late John P. and Margaret Lawlor McKiernan. She was a graduate of the Yale School of Nursing and had worked for many years as an LPN in area hospitals and nursing homes. She was a faithful communicant of St. Mary Church in Branford. Patricia was a giving person who always put the needs of others before her own and spent much of her time caring for other people.

She is survived by her sister, Joan Jarmie and her husband Joseph of Branford, and by many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two sisters and a brother, Jacqueline McKiernan Hallissey, Margaret McKiernan, and John M. McKiernan.

A mass of Christian burial was celebrated on April 7 at St. Mary Church, Branford. Burial was in St. Lawrence Cemetery. The Clancy Funeral Home, East Haven, was in charge of arrangements.