Mrs. Patricia "Pat" (Mathews) Flihan

WHITESBORO - Mrs. Patricia “Pat” (Mathews) Flihan, age 81, went home to the Lord on Sunday, July 18, 2021 with her loving family by her side. Born in Canajoharie, NY on September 9, 1939, Patricia was the daughter of the late Donald and Helen (Klock) Mathews. She was a graduate of Canajoharie High School/Class of 1957. She furthered her studies at the Faxton School of Nursing where she earned her New York State License as a Registered Professional Nurse. On August 20, 1960, she married the love of her life, Ramah L. “Art” Flihan with whom she shared nearly 59 years of love and devotion prior to Art’s passing on June 3, 2019. Together they practiced their Catholic faith as communicants of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Patricia was the epitome of a life well lived. She thoroughly enjoyed her nursing career and was particularly fond of working as an OR nurse. She met her husband, Art, while caring for him as her patient. The two had an instant connection and shared a love of life. Patricia’s greatest joy was her family. She devoted her time to raising her three sons and treasured every moment with them. She was her happiest when she was around her family. She especially loved her role as Mema/Patti to both her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Patricia enjoyed being a part of their lives and made sure that she was at every special occasion, even if that meant traveling across the country. She looked forward to and shared many Friday night dinners with her grandchildren Gabrielle, David, and Jenna, and her friend, Kari. Patricia lit up a room with her vivacious personality and always made the people around her smile and laugh. She had a classic style and enjoyed dressing up for dinners with friends and family, with her glass of Riesling in her hand. She loved her Thursday lunch outings with her friend Jeanne Castronovo and her knitting classes with her friend Joni Minieri. Patricia is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law; James N. and Gina Castronovo-Flihan, Dr. Donald A. and Peri Flihan, and David M. and Denise Flihan; grandchildren, Jimmy II and Sidney Flihan, Freddy and Tiffany Flihan, Brandon Anthony Flihan; Jenna Flihan; and Gabrielle Flihan, and David Flihan II; and her great-grandchildren, Tyson James Flihan, and Pierce Nasser Flihan. She was preceded by her sister, Kathleen DellaRocca. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; and cousins, especially acknowledging Amy DellaRocca McLean, in-laws Linda Flihan, and Daniel A. Salvo; and special friends, Jeanne Castronovo, Joni Minieri and Kari Gehrke. She was predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Nasser J. and Wadeha Flihan; and in-laws, Julia L. “Julie” Flihan, Lamya Salvo, and Joseph N. Flihan and his first wife Judith Manion Flihan. The family is grateful to Dr. Alicia DeTraglia for her medical expertise and compassionate care; the Hospitalist and the 3rd Floor Nursing staff at St. Luke’s Hospital, especially Cathy Beck, whose kindness and compassion meant so much to Patricia’s family. The family will honor and commemorate Patricia’s life at a private time. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Patricia’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday morning at 10:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in Patricia’s memory may make a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at https://www.stjude.org or by mail to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to Anita’s Stevens Swan Humane Society online at http://anitas-sshs.org or by mail to 5664 Horatio Street, Utica, NY 13502. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Patricia "Pat" (Mathews) Flihan

September 9, 1939 - July 18, 2021