Patricia Harrington

Patricia Mary "Patty" Harrington (née Joyce), 81, passed away on February 6, 2025, in York, Pennsylvania. She died peacefully with her husband, daughter, and granddaughter at her side.

Born on April 24, 1943, in Manhattan, New York, Patty grew up in Forest Hills, Queens, embracing her Irish heritage with pride. Her favorite holiday was St. Patrick's Day! She was the eldest of four siblings and shared a particularly close bond with her sister, Joanne Joyce. She also cherished time spent with her five maternal cousins, who lived just down the street.

Patty diligently pursued her education, graduating from The Mary Louis Academy in Jamaica, Queens, in 1961 before earning a Bachelor of Science in Education from Brentwood College in 1966. Her passion for caring for others led her to St. Clare's Hospital School of Nursing, where she obtained a second bachelor's degree in nursing in 1968. She became a Registered Professional Nurse through the University of the State of New York in 1969.

Over a thirty-three-year career, Patty served in various nursing roles, most notably in Intensive Care at The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and The Long Island Jewish-Hillside Medical Center. Throughout her career, she also worked as a private duty nurse, an occupational nurse, and a primary care nurse. She was always a fierce advocate for her patients, ensuring they received dignity and respect while supporting their families with kindness and understanding.

A lifelong Roman Catholic, in high school, Patty felt a call to Religious Life. She spent nine years with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood, New York, from 1961 to 1970, before the changes from Vatican II led her down a different path - toward marriage and family life. She always remained grateful for the educational opportunities she received from the Sisters of St. Joseph. Her commitment to her faith never wavered; she maintained a strong devotion to the Eucharist and to the Blessed Mother throughout her life. She also spent many years teaching religious education and actively participating in each parish community she joined.

Patty shared 47 years of marriage with her husband, John Harrington. She was a devoted mother to Meghan Harrington-Patton (Brian) of Frederick, Maryland, and a loving Nana to her grandchildren, Erin Patton and Sean Patton. Patty took immense joy in being present for every milestone in their lives-whether attending sporting events, religious ceremonies, or school celebrations, such as Grandparent's Day.

Patty also found joy in cheering for her favorite professional sports teams-the New York Giants, Mets, Knicks, and Islanders. She also enjoyed watching professional golf, tennis, figure skating, and gymnastics. Patty also enjoyed playing piano, organ, and guitar. She also had a good singing voice and sang in the church choir.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John Patrick Joyce and Mary Patricia Joyce (née Ronayne); her brothers, John "Jay" James Joyce (Alice) and James Richard Joyce; and her nephew, Brian James Joyce.



Family and friends are invited to honor Patty's life on May 10, 2025, at Saint Katharine Drexel Parish in Frederick, Maryland. A visitation will be held from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM as an opportunity to gather and reflect before her Mass of Christian Burial at 1:30 PM. Following the service, a Committal Ceremony will take place at Saint Katharine Drexel Memorial Gardens at Bloomfield-Clemson at 3:00 PM. All Are Welcome to attend these services as we celebrate Patty's remarkable life and legacy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

The Alzheimer's Association

P.O. Box 96011

Washington, DC 20090-60114

1-800-272-3900