Patricia McGarvey, age 84, passed away February 27, 2021 in Hockessin, DE.

Born on April 7th, 1936, Patricia was a beloved sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother with a legacy of service. She was inseparable from her sister, Kathleen Perpetua, and her brother, Francis Higgins. Patricia first met her husband, Joseph McGarvey, when they were two years old, as he was looking into the window gazing upon her beauty. He was quickly sold. They were married for over 52 years and had five children, Patricia (Paul), Joseph (Michelle), Michael (Lisa), Francis (Donna), and Nancy (Bob). She had 15 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Both she and her husband referred to them as their diamonds. The beholder of many prized possessions, Patricia always remarked that she was "rich in love, not in money."

She was heavily devoted to her faith and could often be found watching her favorite television program: Church. In fact, when it came to television, Patricia was a woman of culture, but also very particular about her content. If she didn't approve of what was on, you'd be informed very quickly. After much trial and error, the acceptable shows were identified as Touched by an Angel, Highway to Heaven, Judge Judy, and perhaps more Catholic mass.

Patricia was often thought of as the Bob Ross of rosary makers, and over the years she made tens of thousands of rosaries by hand which have found since their way to various parts of the world. She was a shining example of God's light, but if you were to mistreat her loved ones, she'd be sure to provide her own interpretation of the Old Testament. Patricia's perseverance and loyalty even in the face of adversity will forever be remembered as defining aspects of her character.

Patricia was often most happy spending her summers down in Wildwood, New Jersey. Two weeks each summer, she was surrounded by her children and grandchildren, with the whole family gathered at the Oceanside hotel. Patricia and Joe started the tradition, and in their first year, accidently packed a shuffleboard puck amongst their belongings, which they fiercely protected until it could be returned the following summer. She enjoyed riding the tram car, reading on the beach, and slipping her grandchildren extra cash to spend on the boardwalk. But Patricia was happiest in those moments because the people she loved most were all gathered in the same place.

For 20 years she volunteered in the office of St. Mary's. Patricia worked tirelessly and successfully to create a culture that inspired and reignited the passions of the seniors who lived there. She volunteered in many places throughout her life and was also happy to volunteer the free labor of her children and grandchildren during the annual family day.

Patricia was a truly selfless individual who brought comfort in times of chaos and joy in the midst of darkness. The world is a bit less bright without her in it, and yet all the brighter for having been touched by her presence.

Visitation: Friday, March 5, 2021 from 10:15 – 10:45 am at St. Katherine Drexel Church, 20th St. and Providence Ave. Chester, PA 19013

Funeral Mass: Friday, March 5, 2021 at 11:00 am at St. Katherine Drexel Church. Due to the current situation, we encourage everyone to attend virtually via the following link: Streaming Link and use password:846484

BURIAL: Private

In Lieu of Flowers: Donations in Patricia's name may be mailed to the St. Katherine Drexel Organ Repair Fund at 1920 Providence Ave. Chester, PA 19013 or to St. Mary's of Providence Center at 227 Isabella Road, Elverson, PA 19520.

Condolences: www.nolanfidale.com

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Begins: Mar 05, 2021 11:00am - 12:00pm