Patricia J. (Pate) Cornell

88 of West Warwick, passed on July 5, 2023 in the compassionate care of HopeHealth Hospice with her family by her side.  At the center of her world remains her loving husband of 52 years, Robert I. Cornell and her only child, Sean C. Cornell.  Patricia was born in the town of McKeesport, PA on June 16, 1935 and moved to Rhode Island as a young girl with her parents Antonio Pate and Cecelia (DelSignore) Pate.  She is predeceased by her sister Loretta Pate; her sister Anna (Pate) Simone and her husband Domenic Simone of Cranston, RI; and her brother John Pate of Warwick, RI.  She leaves 12 nieces and nephews, along with their children and her remaining brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, all whom she cared for so deeply.

Patricia was a student of design from early on and would often create and sew her own clothing, a passion for fashion that continued throughout her whole life.  She was well known for her exquisite wardrobe and accessories, which she joyfully procured over the years.  She always received high compliments for her attire and how blessed she was to age so beautifully.  She was an avid sports fan, cheering on her Celtics, Patriots and Red Sox each season.  Patricia also loved the beach, dining out, and making others feel special.

She began working for CALART Flowers of Cranston at the age of 17 until the birth of her son in 1971.  There Patricia was lead floral designer and ultimately became buyer for their home decor department.  After staying at home with her baby during his infancy she began working in 1972 for Filenes Department Store in Warwick as a systems trainer for new employees and also a sales associate in women’s accessories.  She then worked for 12 years in ladies’ shoes until her retirement at age 69 after 32 years with the company.  Patricia was an active volunteer at St Joseph’s School in West Warwick and Bishop Hendricken HS while her son attended.  She was a committed partitioner at Christ the King in West Warwick since 1970.  Patricia helped compose this obituary and would like to say, “I love my family and my Lord above all else, and I wish nothing but the very best in life for you all.”

Funeral from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston on Monday at 8:45am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in Christ the King Church, 124 Legris Avenue, West Warwick. Burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. VISITING HOURS will be held on Sunday from 3:00 – 7:00 pm.