Patricia Josephine Hanlon

Patricia Josephine Hanlon (nee Sullivan) 

August 3, 1931 - May 26, 2023

“Breathe on me Breath of God”

The lovely and gentle Pat left us in the afternoon of May 26, 2023. We are bereft. Despite and…because of her 92 years, she was the glue for her family, husband Cyril, son, Peter, and his wife Patti, sons Matthew (Tracey and children Lennox, Xavier and Everleigh), Robert (Rachel and son Walter) and daughter, Paddy, and her spouse Alexandra.

Pat was born in Saint John into a family of seven children, sister Bubby is the last remaining of the siblings with Pat’s passing. Pat died in Saint John, having come home with Cyril on his retirement in 1985. She was so happy to finally return to the fold and to friends and family.

Life for Pat began in a house still standing on Somerset street.  It was beset with 7 children, Donald Joseph,  Carmel Joan Fidelis, Mary Doreen (Bubby), Thomas Raymond (Timmy), Joanne, and  John Lawrence.

The legacy of the Sullivan clan strongly lives on: of those seven children, there were 19 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, 10 great great grandchildren and 3 great great great grandchildren.

Pat’s early life was not without strife. She fell victim to Tuberculosis at age 10 and was sent away from the family for a year to recover. That was a dark period in her life brightened only because when she returned home it was to the birth of her youngest brother John L. She always said he was like her own baby.  She was deeply affected by his early death.

Entering into young adulthood, Pat studied and at the young age of 21 became a Registered Nurse, graduating from Saint Joseph’s Hospital, School of Nursing in 1952, something she was proud of, rightfully so, throughout her life.  She often recalled that her starting wage as $1/hour. We believe she is the last of her graduating class but if this is not the case please let us know. She would want to know.

On July 3, 1949, Pat’s life changed forever.  A young man walked into Taffy Tom’s  and into Pat’s life.  Cyril Hanlon set his eyes on her and their life long bond began. The pair were married on June 27, 1953. They last celebrated 70 years together. 70 happy years together.

Meeting Cyril changed her trajectory, she left nursing when first Peter and then Paddy came along. Not only did she embark on motherhood but Cyril’s career required many moves: Ville La Salle, Quebec, Cooksville, Ontario. Fort William, Ontario, back to Cooksville, Beaconsfield, Quebec, Mississauga, Ontario and finally Saint John in 1985.  

But the family flourished. Pat’s abilities in the kitchen were renowned and many have shared their memories of sitting at her table happy and satiated. Any who had that pleasure can surely remember those times with great gusto.  We are sure everyone remembers her immaculate housekeeping.

Pat’s history with tuberculosis did not end with her children. In 2014 she was again diagnosed with it and was hospitalized and treated aggressively. She withstood that as she had the previous bout, the many moves and other health challenges, with good humour and an elegance which persisted despite her increasing cognitive struggles in her last years.

Let us all remember Pat and her beautiful smile that lit up her face and the room. She will be deeply, profoundly missed but forever remembered. 

We would like to thank the staff at Turnbull Nursing Home who cared for mom as though their own. She was sweet, funny and loved by all.

We have no worries for Mom when she goes to the Pearly Gates at Heaven - as she has already passed the Saint test on earth. RIP Mom.

Pat’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Pius Church, Holy Redeemer Parish, 316 Somerset Street on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 2 p.m.  She will be laid to rest at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Turnbull Nursing Home, Saint John, 231 Britain Street.

A recording of the funeral service can be viewed by clicking here and selecting Remembering Patricia Hanlon in the upper right of the window.

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