Patricia Holland

SOUTH DENNIS — Patricia Holland died peacefully at her home on June 1, 2008. She was a cancer survivor of five years and gracefully passed on surrounded by her loving family.

She was the only daughter of Leroy and Viola MacGibbon (Henry) of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where she grew up. A graduate of Temple University, class of 1954, Pat worked in the dental field for more than 30 years.

Pat was a wonderful and inspiring mother and is survived by her four children, John J. Mercaldo III, Kim S. Evans, Michele Mercaldo-Knell, and Christopher A. Mercaldo, as well as seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

A 40-year resident of Cape Cod, Pat's greatest love was the ocean. A longtime member of the West Dennis Yacht Club, she spent many hours boating and racing sailboats off West Dennis Beach. Her greatest sailing adventure took her from her home on the Bass River to the Caribbean and back again to good ole' Cape Cod on her sailboat, The Dutchess.

Pat had a wide range of interests aside from sailing; she was a devoted grandmother, an avid reader, a wonderful gardener, and in recent years, a painter and water colorist. Pat had an uplifting personality and a great sense of humor, and always surrounded herself with fun and interesting people. She will be greatly missed by all those who loved her.

A private celebration in honor of her life is planned for later this summer.

In lieu of flowers, Pat asked that all donations be sent to the West Dennis Library, where she was a volunteer.