Patricia Wilson Pheanious, J.D., M.S.W., was born in Willimantic, Connecticut. She earned a master’s degree in social work and a law degree from the University of Connecticut. She served in the Connecticut House of Representatives, representing the state’s 53rd District, and as the Commissioner of the State Department of Social Services. Representative Pheanious was also an associate professor of social work at St. Joseph’s University and a trustee of the university. Her ancestors Phillis and Montros were among the first to be memorialized with Witness Stones.