PATRICIA ANNE MICHAEL, PhD., (nee Burroughs), age 79, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2020. Loving mother to Nicole Patrice Dul (Peter McMahon) and Kevin Scott Dul. Patricia is also survived by her loving cousin, Richard Robinson, who was like a brother to her and his daughter Elaine Gilbride (Thomas Gilbride) and son Craig Robinson (Jacqueline Sosa) and their children. She is also survived by 7 affectionate cats, Mercury, Loki, Luci, Morgan, Juno, Ra and Merlin.
Pat was born in Philadelphia, PA, to Frances Burroughs (nee Pace) on November 25, 1941. As a teenager she had a passion for acting but that love was later eclipsed by her passion for English literature. She was a graduate of Girl’s High School and Temple University. Her profession was spent in University education as a Victorian scholar and an English Professor, with a brief period of time in administration. Her favorite subject was British Literature. She taught at several universities in her lifetime but spent her last 20 years before retiring in service at Holy Family University.
John Keats’ quote reflects the magnitude of Patricia’s impact on the lives she touched. He stated, “I am certain of nothing but the holiness of the heart's affections, and the truth of imagination." Her heart was certainly beautiful - filled with compassion, empathy, affection and the spirit of forgiveness.
Pat was a devoted, warm and tender loving mother whose light shined on everyone around her. She loved unconditionally, her family, pets, friends, students, colleagues and even strangers. Pat was also a little elitist; everyone knew she had a PhD.
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Pat was a creative and imaginative soul who liked to write and had a life-long love affair with books. Among her favorites were John Keats and Charles Dickens. She also had a morbid side, with an extensive murder mystery library.
Pat found the most joy in her daughter, her books and her pets. Please hold her close in your minds, spirits and hearts. In the end, we all become stories. ― Margaret Atwood
Relatives and close friends are invited to her visitation Friday, December 4, 2020, from 10:00AM until 11:00AM at Louis A. DiGiacomo Funeral Home, Inc., 1055 Southampton Road, Philadelphia, PA 19116, followed by services 11:00am at the funeral home. Interment William Penn Cemetery, Somerton. A larger public life celebration will be planned and announced for the Summer.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to ASPCA.org.
The funeral will also be streamed through Zoom.
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