Patricia A. Thibodeau R.N.

Patricia A. Thibodeau, 90, died on July 30, 2024. Born in Providence, RI, the daughter of the late George M. and Gertrude (Murphy) Thibodeau. Sister to Judith P. Gilroy and Sally J. Thibodeau both of North Kingstown, RI, and the late G. Michael Thibodeau (Nancy Lucas Thibodeau) of Huntersville, NC. She was the aunt to numerous nieces and nephews.
Pat earned her R.N. in 1957, from St. Elizabeth's Hospital School of Nursing, Brighton, MA. In 1970, the Royal College of Nursing and National Council of Nurses of the United Kingdom granted Pat a Certificate in Nursing Administration for Hospitals. In 1984, she earned a B.S. from St. Joseph College, Standish, ME. Her M.A. was granted in 1988, by Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT.
For 40 years Pat was a member of the Franciscans Missionaries of Mary. Her first professional nursing assignment was that of a pediatric nurse at the Joseph P. Kennedy Children's Hospital in Brighton, MA. In 1963, Pat was missioned to the Assunta Hospital in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia where again she served as a pediatric nurse and then as the hospital's administrator.
After Pat returned to the US in the late 1970's, she served two terms as the FMM's Director of Formation in RI, MA, IL, & NY. In the mid 1980's, she was called to again use her nursing credentials serving patients during the HIV/AIDS crises at the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Center in Los Angeles, CA.
After leaving the convent, Pat continued her service to the HIV/AIDS community at the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital in Boston, MA. She then moved cross-town becoming the Program Director of the River Street Community for persons living with HIV/AIDS, Boston, MA.
At the culmination of her professional career Pat chose the field of Hospice and Palliative Care. This focus on patients and families coping with end-of-life issues allowed Pat to combine her nursing skills with her training as a chaplain.
In the various stages of her life as a religious, and as a professional health care provider, Pat lived and traveled all over the world bringing care, comfort and a sense of humor to all of her patients and clients; as well as always modeling the demeanor, professionalism, and kindness we all aspire to achieve.
Pat will be missed by her family, friends and all who encountered her generous self.
The funeral will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the North Kingstown Food Pantry, 445 School Street, North Kingstown, RI 02852, or a donation to a charity of your choice, would be appreciated.