Pauline Mary FitzPatrick

Pauline Mary FitzPatrick, a loving mother and grandmother, devoted aunt, and kind friend whose zest for life and gift for entertaining enriched the lives of so many, died peacefully on Wednesday, January 8th in The Villages, Florida. 

She was 81 years old. Pauline was known by many endearing names: Mom, Sis, Sister, Aunt Sister, Fitzie, BA (Beloved Auntie), Num-Num….and Bruce (The Boss). She lived life to the fullest and especially loved spending time with her family, friends, and her beloved dogs, Honey, Lucy, Gunny, and Charlie.

She was a force that loved to dance, travel, and entertain. A place at Pauline’s tables, whether for four or forty, brought guests into a shared exchange of delicious food and delightful conversation. Her artful tablescapes were legendary and her thoughtfully-planned menus sumptuous. Her spirited humor attracted many to her side.

She will be greatly missed. She was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on April 22, 1943 to Henry B. FitzPatrick, Sr. and Pauline Horstmann FitzPatrick. She attended the School of the Holy Child, Rosemont, PA, and The School of the Holy Child, Suffern, NY (she had a ‘wicked jump shot, one classmate recalled). In 1963, Pauline graduated from Gwynedd Mercy College with an Associate degree in Business Administration. In subsequent years, she honed her inherent entrepreneurial skills with work at McShain Construction, Bayuk Cigars, Broward Business Machines, and Pileggi on the Square of Philadelphia.

In 1991, Pauline retired to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and later Lyford Cay, Bahamas, with her life partner, Richard F. Hull (d.). Together, they traveled the world and enjoyed learning the history, cuisine, and culture of many countries. But these adventures never prevented her from returning to her native Philadelphia to spend time with family where she always made sure to fit in a ‘run’ to Mama’s Pizzeria in Bala Cynwyd for a Philly cheesesteak and an Italian hoagie.

Many know that she never forgot a birthday or anniversary, sending a note or a funny dog photo to mark the occasion. Her thoughtfulness was unparalleled especially when others experienced times of grief or loneliness.

Pauline is survived by Rebecca Pastoral, The Villages, Florida; daughters Stephanie Carmichael (Harry) of Toronto, Ontario Canada and Karla Heidenreich Porter (Greg) of Pasadena, Texas; grandchildren Harry Carmichael IV, Charles Breaux, Cory Breaux, Jennifer Breaux Hatten, Chase Breaux; great-grandchildren, Bradley Cade Hatten and Adalyn Rose Breaux; 16 nieces and nephews;  27 grandnieces and nephews, and her beloved dog, Charlie.

Her funeral Mass will be held at St Margaret’s Church on March 1st in Narberth, Pennsylvania at 10:30am (visitation will begin at 9:30am) with interment and reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hillsdale College, attention Andrew Towne in memory of Pauline FitzPatrick.  Online: https://www.hillsdale.edu/information-for/donors-friends/

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