Patricia Anne Tolan

Patricia Anne Tolan nee Keary (“Pat”) of Quogue, N.Y., passed away Thursday night, April 24, 2025 after a battle with cancer.  Pat passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her husband of 68 years, James Tolan (“Jim”) and her children and grandchildren.  She was 89 years old.  Pat was the daughter of Margaret Gilsenan, County Cavan, Ireland, and Michael Keary, County Galway, Ireland.   

Pat was the beloved wife of Jim, and cherished mother of Margaret, Patricia (John) Cunningham, James (Laird) and Matthew (Melanie).  Pat was predeceased by her daughter Kathleen and great grandson Gideon with whom she is now reunited. 

Pat was born in the Bronx on November 2, 1935.  Pat attended Our Lady of Assumption School, graduated from Aquinas High School and immediately entered the workforce as a legal secretary.   

Pat supported Jim through college and law school and  “retired” to raise her 5 children. As the matriarch of the Tolan family, Pat created a loving home in Pelham Manor, N.Y. for her children, brothers and sister, nieces and nephews, and friends.  Her homes were always filled with flowers, kindness, children and dogs. Pat opened her home to many, including a child from Belfast, Northern Ireland one summer with whom she remained in contact throughout her life. Pat’s volunteer work was extensive over the years including President of the Women’s Civil Support Division of the Legal Aid Society.

Pat loved Jim and their love for each other was a constant in their family’s life and served as an inspiration to all who knew them. 

Pat’s beautiful blue eyes shone with love and laughter for all of her life.  Pat was authentic and totally happy in her own skin. She was equally at ease meeting both Pope John Paul II and the President of the United States as she was sitting in the upper deck of Yankee stadium during the 1976 World Series.  Her love of family and friends was unconditional.  Pat was a friend to all and a mother to many.  To be loved by Pat was a gift. 

In addition to her husband and children, Pat will be lovingly remembered by her treasured grandchildren, Kristin, James, Keary, Courtney, Kevin, Katie, Jenny, Tommy, Hannah, Julia, Celia, Jamie, Morgan, Owen, Brady, Christopher and Annie and great granddaughter, Blythe.

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