Patricia “Pat” Gonzalez

GONZALEZ

Patricia, (nee Iacobucci), “Pietrina,” “Pete,” “Pat,” “Nanny,” age 76, passed away on September 23, 2024 at home in South Philadelphia, where she lived with her daughter, son in law, and granddaughters.

Pietrina was born on August 17, 1948 in the small, picturesque town Chiauci, Italy. At the age of 9, she traveled by boat, with her mother and sisters, to start their life in the United States. On December 30, 1957, this small pack of brave females reunited with her father and settled in Philadelphia. Patricia attended and learned English at St Donato Elementary School and went to High School at West Catholic for Girls graduating in 1967. Patricia attended college at St Joseph’s University where she majored in early childhood education and after graduation taught 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade at Holy Cross in Springfield, PA.

Some of the best years of her life were spent raising her daughter on Wyndale Ave in Overbrook Park. The 2nd house from the corner was always immaculately clean and pristine. You would often see Pat walking along Haverford Ave where she would get her nails done, stop at the bank, or go to the butcher shop. On a different day you might catch her coming or going to the City Line Shopping Center. She never accepted your offer of a ride and had a full report of those she stopped to talk to along the way. Pat moved to West Chester for a few years and when that house became too big, she went to live with her daughter and son in law in South Philly. She became quickly acclimated to the neighborhood and could be found galivanting daily to CVS, the Packer Park Shopping Center, or picking basil from the neighbor’s garden out back.

Nanny had three loves of her life named Felicia, Lucy, and KJ. Each one had an inseparable, but distinct bond with her. Felicia was truly the joy of her life and the apple of her eye. The two checked in on each other daily, telling secrets and trading life lessons. Nanny and Lucy vibrated on the same anxious wavelength, sweaty palms and all. Nanny loved to sit and read to Lucy. You could find them giggling together and trading kisses when no one watching. KJ spent every second with Nanny until her 1st day of kindergarten. She was her partner in crime (and seeing eye dog) with every trip to the Packer Park Pharmacy always returning with a KitKat or M&Ms. Nanny made sure KJ was the best fed kid in the neighborhood and taught her all the basics before sending her off to school when she was 5. There are several first day of school pictures for Felicia and Lucy where KJ is holding a sign that says, “Attending Nanny home school of love.”

Patricia was a devout Catholic who always had a rosary in her pocket. She knew all the prayers, but was most faithful to Saint Padre Pio and the Blessed Mother. Her faith carried her through all her vison problems, even when she became completely blind in 2020, and her battle with Ovarian Cancer. She was a kind soul who literally had the patience of a saint.

Survived by her daughter Jennifer R. (Kevin) Smith, her 3 Granddaughters; Felicia McReynolds and Lucy and K.J. Smith, her sisters Rafaella (late Vincenzo Garzarella and MarieRosa (Angelo) DiCandillo. Her nieces and nephews, Rosita (David) Violi, Vincent (Domenica) Garzarella, Joanne (James) Boyle, Joseph Way, Peter (Adriana) Way. We ask you to honor Aunt Pete by paying it forward with a smile or kind gesture to a stranger in passing.

Relatives and friends are invited to her Visitation Friday Morning, September 27th 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. followed by her Funeral Mass 10:30 a.m. ALL IN CHURCH at Stella Maris Church 2901 S. 10th St., Phila., PA. 19148. Inurnment Private.

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