Patricia Boyle

Born with Down Syndrome to loving parents, Dora Donatoni Boyle and Franny Boyle, who elected not to take the recommendation of institutionalization from many experts at the time, and instead decided to take Patty home and love her.

Patty immediately became the center and the life of the Boyle household, which included four older siblings, Kevin, Kathy, Frank, and Maureen.Patty was also a beloved niece, cousin, neighbor, and family friend to all who played an important role in loving and growing with Patty.

At St. Katherine Day School in Overbrook, Patty had many friends and gifted teachers. She was often the poster child, whether it was playing baby Jesus, or being selected to receive communion from Pope John Paul II when he visited Philadelphia in 1979.It’s also where she met her lifelong friend and dancing partner, Tommy Milnamow, attending many dances and proms together. (There is no question that Patty’s dance moves were better than any of the Boyle clan)

With her love of food not far behind her love of people, it made sense that after completing school, Patty began working in the cafeteria at St Katherine of Siena in Wayne, and then continued her career for over 20 years at Great Valley High School. The last 5 years of her life were spent working and then attending the adult care at Handi-Crafters in Coatesville. The people that Patty encountered in each of her jobs reciprocated the love that she gave. The love and care that was shown Patty by her friends at Handi-Crafters as she developed Alzheimers was especially remarkable.

As the Boyle family grew through marriage, her in-laws (Laurie, Bruce, Kim and Mike) quickly embraced Patty and became an important part of her life. Each of her 13 nieces and nephews (Ryan, Kelly, Meghan, Amanda, Jessica, Ally, Brett, Patrick, Matt, Kevin, Katie, Sarah and Kendall) had a special relationship with Patty, and thankfully, being the generation they are, we have many, many short videos to look back at and enjoy the fun and laughter Patty had.

Her sister-in-law Kim, in particular, was a caregiver for many years, and especially showed Patty great compassion and love in the last year of her life.

Patty was everyone’s favorite person, but refused to have a favorite in return, although every sibling, in-law, niece, nephew and many a cousin consistently tried to win the rights to that honor.

She had the gift of spreading love, laughter, cheer and fun where ever she was. Her witty sayings became all of our language.Starting at a young age, Patty was never seen without her bright pink or orange polish on her nails. Her enjoyment of her nightly ice cream was not to be forgotten, and left many a family member headed to Wawa or Dairy Queen at the last minute.

Patty loved meeting new people and enjoyed life. She was often seen on her daily walks through BowTree, kept safe by caring neighbors as she strolled by, headset on, most likely listening to her favorite Michael Jackson.

We all learned that it was not us teaching Patty, but Patty teaching us.

It takes a village to raise a child, especially a special needs child, and we have all been so blessed by the many, many people involved with loving and raising Patty.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Handi-Crafters either online (https://hcocenter.org/support/donate-now/) or by check in Patty’s honor. Checks can be mailed to:

Handi-Crafters Inc.

P.O. Box 72646

215 Barley Sheaf Rd

Thorndale, PA 19372

A memorial visitation for Patricia will be held Sunday, November 19, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Alleva Funeral Home, 1724 E. Lancaster Ave, Paoli, PA 19301. A mass of christian burial will occur Monday, November 20, 2023 at 10:30 AM at Our Lady Of The Assumption, 35 Old Eagle School Rd, Strafford, Pennsylvania 19087. A burial will occur Monday, November 20, 2023 at Calvary Cemetery, Matsonford & Gulph Rds, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania 19428.