Patricia ‘Trish’ Whitaker (1936–2015)
Patricia “Trish” Whitaker, 78, of Manchester, passed away Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015, surrounded by her adoring family and friends. For the past two weeks, with the compassionate and talented support of Hartford Hospital’s ICU team, she battled valiantly and with amazing grace.
The beloved wife of the late Bill “U.U.” Whitaker, Patricia was born Dec. 18, 1936, in Hartford, the daughter of the late Edward and Arline Sheehan, of East Hartford. Patricia faced many challenges during her life including the death of her infant son, Chance, but her life was not defined by these challenges. Instead she lived a fruitful and joyful life.
Throughout the years, her home was the center of activity as Patricia and Bill hosted large gatherings that filled their home with laughter and the smell of Trish’s amazing cooking. Things Patricia loved included attending her granddaughter’s games and recitals, spending time at the beach in Rhode Island and Florida, family vacations, including a trip to Bermuda earlier this year, helping to raise her grandchildren, and anything that involved caring for and spending time with her family and friends.
Patricia wasn’t a weightlifter, but she was the strongest person we knew. She loved her family and friends to the moon. We love her to the moon and back.
Patricia leaves her son, Trey Whitaker and his wife, Cherry, of Hebron; her son, York Whitaker and his wife, Rose, of Bethesda, Maryland; her daughter, Whitney Whitaker and her husband, Gerry Garfield, of Hebron; her daughter, Penny Whitaker, of Manchester; her grandchildren, Caylee Whitaker, Ellie Whitaker, and Nika Garfield; and her dearest friends, Rudy and Ceil Persico and their family.
Visiting hours will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, at John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center St., Manchester.
At 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, a remembrance service will be held at Tierney’s prior to the burial procession to East Cemetery in Manchester.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a tribute gift to Hartford Hospital.
