Although we did not know you well , your deep spirituality and love of life brought joy to everyone around you. We know your soul is lifted high as you lifted others when you were with us. We also saw first hand how much love you brought to Miri , your beloved  sister.  
With much love,  Tsila and Brian

To my amazing Aunt who I loved so dearly. I truly can’t believe you are no longer with us. I will always remember you as a strong, independent, loving and funny women. Growing up I loved spending time at your house and will always cherish those memories. I know you are in a better place now and your spirit will always be here with us. I love you Aunt Pattie

My aunt was a strong, beautiful and loving woman. One of my favorite memories with her was when she brought Nala to my aunt Lori’s house to meet everyone for the first time. She loved that dog so much. She was always helping animals in need and trying to find them new homes. She was so compassionate. She was always smiling and laughing. I will miss her very much. She will always be in my heart. 

I love you, Aunt Pattie. Although you are no longer with us, I will take you with me throughout my life's journey. You will always be with me, through thick and thin, through success and hardship, you will always be by my side, and in my heart. Thank you for the laughs, the smiles, and -- most importantly -- the love that emanated from your very being. Thank you for being you. I will miss you very much. Love, your nephew, Jacob.

Part 7

We were able to share a very special moment on the last day of our trip; I surprised all of my sisters with a gold lock, engraved with our names on the back and “Bella Sorella” (which means beautiful sister in Italian) on the front.  That lock -- we attached to a fence in Naples Harbor, where many other locks are attached by lovers and families as a symbol of their love.  Each sister received a replica of that lock to take home and cherish.

Pattie, my dear sister, loving you and being loved by you will always be one of the great joys and privileges of my life.  

I promise that we will keep your memory alive.  

I promise we will keep Gabi close and love her with all our hearts.  

I promise that Tal and I will watch over Gabi and protect her and her future family as you would.  

I will carry you in my heart, especially at moments of fun, laughter and joy that I know you would have appreciated.  

Pattie, you lived your life with your heart on your sleeve, being vulnerable, loving, and forgiving.  It wasn’t always easy, but I am pretty sure you wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.  

I’ll do my very best to carry your spirit, your enthusiasm, your kindness, and your generous heart with me wherever I go, so long as I live.    



Part 6

Shortly after her diagnosis, and before she became really sick, my dream of taking all three of my sisters on a trip to Italy came true.  We were able to visit the towns where our paternal grandmother and maternal great-grandmother were born.   We got to share so many special moments, like: (1) Toasting our special bond as sisters with wine from a Tuscany vineyard; (2)  Watching a group of local teenagers banter at an outside Tuscany cafe while old Italian men sat inside watching a local soccer game; (3) Walking up to the home near naples where our paternal grandmother was born -- (by the way, Pattie was overwhelmed by emotion as we walked up to the house where Nani was born that she burst out in tears); (4)  Eating Tortes (which was our maternal grandmother’s signature dish -- but one we could never find in the united states because it was only available in and around the little town of Piacenza in Italy, where our great-grandmother was born); and (5) Driving on the winding Amalfi coast line, drinking many many cappuccinos and sunbathing outside our gorgeous AirBnB. 

While all my sisters were excited and grateful to go on this trip, Pattie expressed her joy and gratitude over and over to me with the innocent childlike vulnerable joy that was unique to her.   I will never forget the pure, blissful exhilaration she proclaimed when she took her first jump into the Mediterranean Sea off our private boat on our way to the Island of Capri.  As she came to the surface (after her belly-flop into the sea) …... She rejoiced at the top of her lungs (and I mean the top - top of her lungs)   “Yeah baby - It’s beautiful!”  (and those of you who know her well can probably picture her doing it).-  Such was my sister, she wasn’t afraid to shout for joy from rooftops.    



Part 5

In addition to kitchen and bath design, Pattie loved interior design and the real estate market.  She took great joy in making spaces beautiful, and in finding awesome bargains.  You could almost always count on her receiving a compliment about something beautiful in her house with an amusing story about how she got it almost for nothing.  Such was my sister, she made beautiful things out of almost nothing.  

She also had a passion for the real estate market and was a better real estate agent from her couch, searching on Zillow, than many realtors.  

She found my parents’ home for them and gave them stellar advice in a competitive sellers’ market.  

If it wasn’t for Pattie, they would not have found that home or been the successful bidders.  Because my parents trusted Pattie so much, they put an offer on the house before even seeing it in person.

Even during the last few weeks, when she was in more pain than anyone could or should bear, she would come to life when the conversation had anything to do with finding homes and making them beautiful.  In her last weeks, Pattie and I would sit on the couch and search the internet together for home decorating ideas.  I cherished these moments in real time, and I know she did as well.
 


Part 4

Pattie worked hard to establish her career as a kitchen and bath designer.  She grew up in the business by working with my dad, following in his footsteps which created a special bond between the two of them.  Pattie was most happy during her time at Alure, where she worked for 20 meaningful years and won a number of awards for her excellence.  I would be remiss if I did not thank Sal Ferro and Lisa DiFillipi from Alure, who she considered family.  

They were so wonderful and helped Pattie -- especially after her diagnosis. They went well beyond what would be expected from an employer.  She loved them both so much!  
Also Doug Cornwell and Seth Selezno were very special to her, and I want to thank them and the entire Alure family for their love and friendship for my sister over the years.  

Alure was where Pattie shined professionally in ways that gave her tremendous joy and pride.  Of Pattie’s performance at Alure, her co-worker and closest friend Roe Mancini has said - quote: “Patricia was so talented, knowledgeable and admired by all her colleagues.  There literally was nothing about the business she did not know!  Her clients loved her and so did all of us!”   

Roe has been a rock through thick and thin, and such a dear, reliable and compassionate friend.   Pattie loved Roe with all of her heart.  They laughed together, and cried together.  They shared everything -- and always had each other’s back. 

Roe has become a part of our family and I am so grateful to have her in my life.  Roe ---- I will never be able to thank you enough for all that you have done for Pattie -- but I sure intend to try.   In fact, I consider you a sister, and not just to Pattie but to Missie, Lori and me as well.   

Part 3

There were many times that I didn’t understand or appreciate her enough, and possibly vice versa. 

But as we grew-up, I always knew this about my sister:  Rain or shine, night or day, she’d be there for those she loved without hesitation.    …….  And that I was one of those lucky people.  

She was never jealous about our victories, when they occurred.  

To the contrary, when her sisters -- or nieces and nephews celebrated any accomplishment, she was genuinely overjoyed.  She celebrated us and our families with such honest cheer.  

I’m so grateful that over the last few years, I got to thank her for being who she was, and the many ways she blessed my life.
 
She was rightfully proud of her daughter Gabriella, and her many talents, including photography, artistic expressions, and her beautiful voice.  Gabriella was the apple in her eye, the purpose for her being, especially through tough days.  

Pattie wasn’t a perfect mother 

not that anyone is, or anyone should judge 

but she was a committed and present mother.  

Gabi was the number one priority for Pattie, from the day Gabi was born -- to her last days, when she took tremendous pains to ensure Gabi would be okay, and have support and resources, after her passing.  
It was a source of enormous pride to Pattie that she was able to do that for Gabi.

It wasn’t only her friends and family that Pattie loved.  She deeply cared for vulnerable animals, especially dogs.  I am pretty sure she posted more photos of dogs-in-need on her facebook page than people. ….

She didn’t just post photos though – she actively fostered ….  adopted …. fundraised -- and selflessly loved dogs until the very end.  

Even a week before her passing, she was still posting photos of missing pets on her facebook page.  Such was my sister, a compassionate soul feeling the sadness of others even during the hardest time in her life.




Part 2
One day, while mom and dad were on vacation, she sent me and my boyfriend to drive to pick up a pack of cigarettes for her at a nearby store. Which would have been totally cool... other than we were both 13 and neither of us knew how to drive.  ………  After I mowed down someone’s large evergreen in their front yard ...  Then drove away from the scene of the accident in a panic... 

I returned home with a very banged up car.  Pattie immediately came running out of the house, eyes bulging, arms flailing in the air, nearly catatonic... As the older sister (who should have known better)...  Pattie suffered the heavy consequences of having to pay $900 for a new tree among other things.  While at the time it wasn’t our finest moment as sisters, it ended up as a hilarious story we have shared time and time again.  ………….          By the way, she never asked me to pick up cigarettes for her again...

Another time, when Pattie was in her early 20s, and I was a college freshman, she won a trip for two to Puerto Rico -- and chose me as her “plus one.”   We had an amazing time and laughed until it hurt.  It was such a special trip we even packed our prom dresses as evening attire (feeling all sophisticated).   Looking back at the pictures - we cracked up realizing how over the top we must have appeared.   It was a trip that I will never forget.

Pattie and I also had an unspoken “meringue pact.”  At every wedding or party with dancing, once a meringue-like beat came on  -- and no matter where we were in relation to the dance floor, or what we were doing -- we’d find each other on the dance-floor immediately. We’d show off our moves as if we were performing on “Dancing with the Stars!”   

As she grew up, Pattie’s child-like enthusiasm never subsided.  She wore her heart on her sleeve and was not afraid to show honest emotion and vulnerability even though it sometimes resulted in pain.   

Part 1 
My sister, Pattie (aka Patricia, Patrecia, or Trish) was a person who lived and loved with all her heart.  Life wasn’t easy for her, and in fact it was often unfair and hard.  Many people would have been broken by the challenges she faced, many of which she faced with little to no support.  Not Pattie.  Pattie would sometimes bend, but she did not break. She carried on with courage and dignity.  

As I say goodbye to her body, which betrayed her, I keep inside me her resilient spirit, and her willingness to put herself out there for the people she loved and the fur-babies she fiercely protected.  Her spirit did not betray her, and it never left her.  To her last breath, Pattie thought of her loved ones; she thought of mom and dad, whose new home not far from her own, she enjoyed decorating so much. She thought of my son, Jacob, who is graduating high school next week, for whom she bought the most beautiful and thoughtful graduation gift.  I’m grateful she got to play an important part in setting up mom and dad’s home, ahead of them moving back here from Florida. 

Just a week before her passing, Pattie was well enough to celebrate mother’s day at mom and dad’s, with nearly all of us.  That evening she proudly posted pictures with each of us to her facebook page. I’m beyond grateful she had the opportunity to help mom and dad, and to give Jacob his graduation gift, because I know how much joy Pattie took from bringing happiness to the people she loved.

Doing her very best to enjoy life was pure Pattie.  From early childhood, Pattie’s zest for life  and her love and passion for her family and closest friends -- was apparent to all of us.  She could be loud, and sometimes dramatic, but she was a fun big sister to me much of the time.  For example, she was responsible for my first driving lesson!   Well, sort of...    

My dear daughter, miss you already. Cannot believe you are gone. Forever in my heart, my little girl.

Gabbi, we are so sorry for your loss. The photo is your Mom and Dad  at our wedding. Sept 1993


Patricia (AKA “Buttercup”) was 1 of the sweetest ppl I’ve ever met in my life. She wore a shirt that said “Buttercup” to a volleyball game a few yrs ago and gained that nickname which just stuck ever since. That’s how we met and became friends. We both shared a huge love for dogs and spoke about our pups often.  I was invited to her house for a “no reason/Just because” get together summer party in 2019 and complimented her beautiful ceiling fan. She told me she was getting rid of it and insisted on giving it to me.  It was beautiful and I don’t remember why she was getting rid of it, but just was. She took it down shortly after the party and called me to come pick it up.  It was so nice of her!  It sat in my garage for a while because I was waiting to redo my bedroom before putting it up and when I found out she passed, I decided to put it up right away and stop waiting. Had it installed yesterday.   It’s gorgeous and now I think of her every single day w/it.  It’s been a couple months since we last spoke.  She wasn’t feeling good w/all the treatments and not up for company then, but did tell me of her plans to go to FL soon.  I’ve been meaning to call her again and ask, but now I’m even more sorry that I didn’t yet because she’s gone.  Heaven gained another angel last week, way too young, and she’ll forever be missed! My sincere condolences to her daughter, to John, entire family and her dog.  I’m sure she’s lost w/out her too :(  ...I’m directly next to her in this picture and she was always smiling too.

Patti & I were   friends in elementary school, Cedar  Road School. 
I always loved her zest for life!
She was a fun gal to be around. 
I remember a sleepover birthday party at her house, we were maybe 9 or 10?
We drifted in High school, but were friends still. 
God bless her & prayers of healing for her family. She will be missed. ❤️
Jenn Garlick- Good

I have so many wonderful memories of Pattie (Trish) from our high school years and beyond. I’m so very sorry to learn of her passing. Heartfelt condolences to the entire Nicolini family and to Pattie’s extended family of friends. 

When I think of Pattie I will always be smiling because she lived her life to the fullest.  She always was an “all in” sorta gal. She was all in when she loved you with her whole heart, when she laughed with you...a deep laugh with a snort at the end,  when she spoke with you , and  when she  was having fun! I’m so happy to say my family was able to share some of those fun times. Pattie was a warrior...a force to be reckoned with.  She lived on her own  terms and that’s just the way she loved it! I’ll miss you cuz and that  beautiful light you always brought to this world. 

To be honest I don’t even know where to begin because as you all know I never keep anything short or simple. I always have a lot to say . Maybe it’s because I was the baby sister and growing up I could never get a word in . It was always Missie and Pattie doing most of the talking . So I sat back and listen more . I watched more . And I learned more. What I learned was all 4 of us had very special qualities that made us so beautifully fun and we all had such a deep love and loyalty to each other. No matter if we were fighting or not . Nothing was more fun than being at a family function with us and the song “ it’s raining men “ came on . We all had the best of times together but I just loved how Pattie got into the song and would sing her heart out . Especially the line “ rip off the roof and stay in bed “ omg her smile of happiness was so contagious...  she was known as a kid “ Happy Pattie “ as a kid I couldn’t say yellow , she help me practice till I could say it.  She help me practice driving when I was learning to drive .  I used to love watching her get ready when she would go out with girls , I always thought she looked put together and beautiful. She always was surrounded by such beautiful people .  Yes her real name is Patricia but growing up she wanted to be called Pattie and she said with a ie . Later on she told us sisters she wanted to be called Patricia or Trish . I laughed and said “ What ?” “ you are Pattie and always be Pattie “ lol so many know her with different names but we all can agree on she was beautiful, smart , fun , so hard working who loved her daughter with everything she had and would give up any thing for her . 
I can go on and on but in spite Pattie was tough ! Never gave up even to the end . She was always independent up to the last few days of her life. I will miss her so very much . And my heart is broken and life will never be the same ! God decided that she was special and gave her wings to fly high in the sky.  Till then xo



May God Bless you Patti on your next journey and may your bright light always be with your family. I was so HAPPY and SURPRISED to reconnect with you so many yrs after school- when I walked into Alure to have our bathrooms redone and they said- heres the BEST designer Patti! You were the BEST Patti! I will miss all your fb posts and dog pics! ❤❤❤❤❤

My dear daughter, there are so many wonderful memories of you growing up. Some good and some not so good but they are memories etched in my heart. You will be missed every moment of every day. I want you to wake up and we go to lunch, come for a visit in Florida, select furnishings for my house on Long Island as we’ve done for the past year but that’s not possible. . My heart aches that I will never see your beautiful face or hear that  great laugh. You will always be my little girl. 
I know I won’t see you until we meet again, but you will be in my heart forever.
Rest now , until we meet again, Mom 

I have such a heavy heart.  There are no words....I am so sorry for your loss.  I was blessed to share a beautiful friendship with Patti in our High School years.  We had so much fun!!
We reconnected a few years ago and I'm so happy I had that time.
You are all in my thought & prayers, hugs and love are sent your way.
XOXOXOXO

Getting these 4 sisters to get a picture all together with me was not easy!! This was in 2012 when Maria came up to NY

I met Pattie when her sister, Maria, and I became good friends in Jr high school. Pattie was the sister with the tough as nails exterior, gorgeous smile, bold laugh, trendy fashion sense...and a beautiful heart! Spending time with this family was always a lot of fun!! Whether it was a weekend ski trip to their home in upstate NY as teens or large celebrations later in life in Florida, these sisters would drop whatever they were doing and form a chorus line as an impromptu singing group whenever Diana Ross or any great 80's female artist's anthem played....and Pattie would usually take the lead!! Rest in eternal peace, beautiful Angel! May you help heal the hearts broken when you had to leave! 🙏💔😔 

It’s always hard when you hear a friend has passed on. Hearing Patricia passed on I realized that with Patrica it’s the wrong phase. Patricia never passed on anything! She took everything head on, without exception! I’ve known Patricia for over 20 years thru working together at Alure. She was a consummate pro with great pride in her work! My daughters are a few years older than Gabby and I shared what I went thru as a parent of girls! Patricia was so proud of her daughter and she shared many updates and I would hear of her growth - she loved gabby’s singing and photo work!!! If you ever wanted an honest response with no BS Patricia could be counted on! I will miss her much. God you got a great gal take good care of her - she deserves it! 

True friendship - it's a feeling - a connection
We became friends in the early 80's working at Grand Union.  A time full of growth, fun, love and everlasting memories. I moved out of state in 1992. Thankful we reconnected some years back through social media. Although our lives took different paths, the connection remained. I will cherish our friendship and the life experiences we shared forever. May her joyful spirit live on in all of you. Love, Donna

Trish and I first met online in 2009 through an online scuba diving forum and then in person that same year at a scuba show in NJ.  I spent time with Trish and John when the scuba forum hosted a diving trip to Key Largo that same year.  My memories include their Jensen Beach house,  boating with John and Trish in Long Island/ Fire Island, the dog park, dinner in their Long Island house, or out locally.  

We laughed and referred to the only time I'd ever rode in Trish's black convertible as the "time we went topless".  We meant having the car top off not our clothing top off as we "cruised around" town...hahaha.  I will miss Trish's wicked sense of humor.  I loved eating with Trish because she enjoyed food and was a great cook, whether it was sushi in Long Island or Vietnamese food in Flushing or dinner at her house. 

We saw and talked less since my move to FL.  I will always be grateful to Facebook and Instagram which enabled us to keep tabs on each other's life the last few years. 

I admired Trish's love and devotion to Gabby.  Sending out a big e-hug to you Gabby!  I admired Trish's honesty and her shoot from the hip responses whenever we talked about our lives or the people around us.  
 
I will keep Gabby, John, and all who loved Trish, in my thoughts, as  they navigate life without her.  I will miss you, Trish.  I count myself lucky for having memories with you, albeit, too short. 

I met Patty 9 yrs ago at a Rhodesian Ridgeback meeting in PA. From the minute I met her it was like we knew each for years.  Her passion for rescuing animals and her love for life was infectious.  Her time here was too short. Heaven gained an Angel. Patty you will be missed so very much. May you fly free of pain with Nala and Simba. Until we meet again. Rest in peace my friend.

My Beautiful  Sister  Patricia , Where do I begin ...'MOM she's staring at me! .....we started as  playmates and later became friends ...we didn't always get along ..but we had so  many 'Lucy and Ethel moments....One memory comes to mind  is when we all went on my boat ...we were leaving Flynns and the water was getting rough, the waves were crashing over the sides of the boat , water was dripping from our noses and we were holding each other for dear life....And you said to me ' DO YOU ALWAYS GET THIS WET ON THE BOAT?"  LOL ..How we laughed at that moment ....We had such a great time that day....We have so many great sisters trips....Vegas and Italy were our faves.....I admired how brutally honest you were and how much passion, determination you had for life. I'm so sad to see you go....you had more life to live...But GOD sent you home and now You have  earned YOUR wings , .I can see it now.....Heaven's going to get a  redesign......Farmhouse Glam ....and all from the internet .....LOL..I ask you to watch over me and my family ,keep us safe.....so hard to say goodbye. until we meet again ,I'll be looking out for that PRAYING  MANTIS... always in my heart....LOVE YOU Missie


Patricia,

You and I had a special meeting, being brought together by marketplace & hitting off like we knew each other forever!!! We had the exact same decorating taste and we talked for hours.
I just wanted you to know your Mom was such a Special lady, she spoke so highly of you & was so very proud of you.  Her exact words, my daughter is my pride & joy!!! I’m the luckiest Mom!! I really liked your Mom, I’m so going to miss her. 

Dorothy 

My deepest condolences to your family at this very difficult time. I remember Patty at 21 years old as a smart, beautiful, and strong person with an infectious smile. During my short time of knowing her I remember her as  the rock for her sisters to depend on. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

I knew Patti thru her wonderful sister, Missy . We bonded thru Facebook and she is one very special soul . She will be missed dearly . Patti !you are out of your pain , God has got you and has bigger plans for you , I believe that with my heart and soul .. Watch over your family and friends . We love u and fly high sweet lady oxox 

Patty, 
You and I hav known each other a very long time.  Missy being one of my closest friends, I’ve been around your family for 40 years. You and I would run into each other periodically, share a talk, a laugh, and always glad we did.  You’ll be missed by many. I will pray for your family and always look after Missy until I see you again .
Love 
Jerry Dowd

Twinkle in her eyes.

When I think of what I loved about my dear sister Pattie, it is the twinkle in her eye that I remember loving most.

How she'd get a joke and immediately break into her rid-dic-ulously loud laughter 😆 interrupted by a snort or three, or how she'd salud a drink, or even plan some mischief...

I'm glad I was there, I'm glad I could share it. 

She'll be a fellow traveler with whom I was privileged to have shared a key stretch of life; not just a relative by marriage -- but a true advocate, a loyal and reliable friend. 

I'll miss you Pattie. I'll see you again!

Uncle Tal

I was Missy’s foster mom prior to Patricia adopting her. I had Missy for 11 months so I was very attached and wasn’t going to let just anyone adopt her. I knew that whoever adopted her had to special - patient, kind, loving, compassionate. Then I met Patricia and I knew that she was going to be Missy’s mom. She had a heart of gold and was a beacon light and hope. I knew that I could leave her with Patricia and she would be so well loved and cared for. I am heartbroken to hear the news of her passing. The world was a better place for having her in it. I’m so grateful for the short time I got to know her. Sending so much love to you - her family & friends.  You were all her joy. Love, Sage

OBITUARY

Patricia Nicolini

November 6, 1964 – May 17, 2021

Claude R. Boyd–Spencer Funeral Home

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