Patricia A. Phillips

Patricia A. Phillips (nee Gaughan), age 83, of Pennsauken, NJ passed away peacefully on February 16, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Camden, NJ, she was a 1957 graduate of Camden Catholic High School. After high school, Patricia worked for many years as an executive secretary at many federal agencies, including the VA/FHA mortgage division, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the US Federal Marshals Service. Later in life she obtained an Associate’s degree at Glassboro (Rowan) and taught for several years at Camden County Vocational School. She also earned a boater’s license and became a member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Patricia was a woman ahead of her time, who judged people only by their behavior and greeted all with an open mind and heart. She loved to dance, sail her boat, and ride horses. She enjoyed the outdoors and organized memorable camping trips with her family over the years. She maintained an interest in learning new things and gaining the perspective of young people into her final days.

Patricia will be dearly missed by her husband of 59 years, Harry, and daughters Susan (David) of Merchantville and Maureen (Michael) of Oaklyn. She will also be terribly missed by her granddaughters Melissa and Laura. Patricia greatly enjoyed solving Nancy Drew mystery games with Laura during weekend sleepovers that will always be a cherished memory.

Patricia is also survived by her sister Jean Lapergola (Joseph) of Pennsauken, her nieces Patty and Donna, and a host of other relatives and friends. She is predeceased by her father Eugene and her mother Claire, to whom she was greatly devoted.

A visitation for Patricia will be held at Blake-Doyle Funeral Home, 226 West Collings Avenue, Collingswood, NJ, on Monday, February 27, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, followed by a celebration of life at 1:00 PM. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Blake-Doyle.com for the Phillips family.