Patricia Cioffi

Although she accomplished so much of which to be proud, Patricia Cioffi viewed nothing to be of greater significance in her life than raising the children who made her so very proud. She was strong, supportive, and very much the rock of her family with a timeless wisdom that her loved ones appreciated so very much. Patricia certainly loved being a mother, however, she just may have argued that nothing was better than being a grandmother to the two most amazing grandchildren, Ashley and Everett. To know her was to love her as her great sense of humor, contagious laughter, and her zest for life were truly contagious. Life will never be the same without Patricia here, but she leaves behind a brilliantly colored mosaic of memories that her loved ones will forever cherish.

During the first half of the 1940s, the eyes of our nation were focused overseas as countless young servicemen and women were deeply entrenched in WWII. While awaiting for the latest news from the front lines, those who remained stateside became all too familiar with rationing on common goods such as rubber, sugar, and coffee as well as manufacturing that was focused on supporting the war effort. Amidst this eventful time was the year 1943 when William and Margaret Shaw were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as fall settled on the Bronx, New York, that October. The big day finally arrived when the baby girl they named Patricia Ann drew her first breath on October 20th. Raised in the family home in both the Bronx and Queens, New York, she was the oldest of four children in her family as she was followed by three younger sisters, Dolores, Deborah, and Barbara.

In many ways, Patricia was a young girl of her generation. Her father was a butcher in the Army while her mother remained at home. Patricia enjoyed playing various city street games such as double dutch, stoop ball, and hopscotch with the other neighborhood children. As a student she attended local schools including high school at St. Helena's Business High School.

New and exciting changes were in store for Patricia when she met the young man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Larry Cioffi, and they met on a blind date at a friend’s surprise birthday party on October 26, 1963. Sparks flew, and the couple soon found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Patricia and Larry were married on October 3, 1965. Together they welcomed three children including Dawn Marie, Russell, and Lisa into their hearts and home.

From the time she became a mother, Patricia fully immersed herself in the role. She enjoyed being a homemaker and just being with her family. Patricia’s skills in the kitchen were amazing, and despite not being Italian herself she made a mean lasagna with homemade sauce. Even her grandson’s friends said that she made the best chicken and waffles, and her baked goods were also fantastic. Patricia loved spending weekends at the beach with her family, and she also loved taking some fun vacations over the years. Among her favorites were walking on the boardwalk at the Jersey shore and a trip to California, although she was terrified of the streets in San Francisco. In addition to her children and grandchildren were Patricia’s pets that were loved like additional members of her family. She had numerous cats and dogs, and her first baby was a puppy named Tippy that she made homemade stew for. When it came to her family, Patricia was fiercely protective, even saying, “You could mess with me, but don’t mess with my family.”

In addition to caring for her family, Patricia kept busy with other things as well. She retired from Hoben Elementary School in Canton, Michigan. Patricia was a New York Yankees fan, and her favorite player was Derek Jeter. Her favorite television shows were Castle, NCIS, and Bones, and when it came to movies she loved An Affair to Remember and Love is a Many Splendored Thing. As someone who didn’t take any guff, she loved the song, “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” from Twisted Sister.

Truly beautiful on the inside and out, Patricia Cioffi was a blessing to everyone she met. She was incredibly smart and blessed with the gift of being able to read people with a sense of humor that was second to none. Patricia was so loving and supporting of her loved ones, and as someone who was forever caring for others she even sent homemade food to the EMTs to thank them for taking her to the hospital. She was the sort of person who was always positive and upbeat, and her gracious personality drew others near with ease. Deeply loved, Patricia will be forever missed.

Patricia Ann Cioffi passed away April 14, 2016. Patricia’s family includes her husband, Larry; children, Dawn Marie Rabideau (Dana), Russell (Caterina) and, Lisa Thorn (Mike); grandchildren, Ashley Hubbard and Everett Thorn. Family will receive friends Monday 3-8 p.m. at the Neely-Turowski Life Story Funeral Home 45100 Warren Rd (between Sheldon and Canton Center Rds) A funeral service will be held Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. at Morning Star Church 29863 Dawson St. Garden City 48135. To share a favorite memory and/or photo and to sign the online guestbook, please visit www.Turowskilifestory.com