It is with great sadness that the Cullen Family announces the passing of Patricia Anne Cullen, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and educator. Patricia “Pat” Cullen., age 82, of Lansdale, PA passed into the arms of the Lord on Friday March 22, 2024, surrounded by her loving family after a lengthy and courageous battle with dementia. She was predeceased by her devoted husband, Joseph A. Cullen, Sr.

She is survived by her beloved 7 children: Edward Cullen (Vera), Patricia Parks (David), Maureen Persin (George), Megan Gordon (Jeffrey), Anne Corso (Matthew), Joseph A. Cullen, Jr. (Laura) and Bridget Cullen and her grandchildren, whom she cherished: Shane Cullen, Mia Cullen, Grace Cullen, Edward Cullen, Timothy Parks, Kelly Parks, George Persin, Kathryn Persin, Patrick Persin, Jack Gordon, Madeline Gordon, Jeffrey Gordon, Meghan Corso, Matthew Corso, Kevin Corso and Audrey Cullen. She was predeceased by her parents, James J. O’Hara, Dorothy O’Hara, her brother, James J. O’Hara, and her granddaughter, Kayla Anne Corso, who she and Joe referred to as their “Angel.”

Pat had modest beginnings growing up in a rowhouse in West Philadelphia, where her parents and beloved grandmother, Bridget O’Hara, operated a small grocery store out of a basement walkup. Pat and her family were proud members of Most Bless Sacrament (MBS) Parish, where her Catholic faith was fostered and nurtured. Pat graduated from West Catholic High School in 1959 where she excelled academically.

In her late teens, Pat met Joe Cullen, a young man from Yeadon who met her three criteria for dating, which she referred to as the Three “Cs”—He was Catholic, He went to College (Villanova University), and He had a Car (albeit an older car she would later joke). Pat and Joe married on October 20, 1962, when Pat was just 21 years old, and Joe was 23 years old. Despite their young ages, they were united in their love for each other and their Catholic faith. Their marriage was a true partnership forged in family and faith, lasting over 58 years, until Joe’s death on December 13, 2020.

In 1970, with 5 children under 8 years old, they moved to the Lansdale area, building a home at 1770 Meadow Glen Drive in Towamencin Township. They resided in this home for 50 years, where they built a beautiful life, raising their children and welcoming 17 grandchildren into their lives. Ever present in their life was Corpus Christi, where they sent their children to grade school, attended Mass and celebrated many family milestones including their 50th Wedding Anniversary.

Despite the challenges of raising a large family, Pat always found time to pursue her education with the encouragement and unwavering support of her husband. Both were always focused on education, particularly Catholic education. Pat was tenacious and hardworking, two requirements for pursuing higher education while raising 7 children. 

Her academic journey included an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree from Gwynedd Mercy College in 1977, a master’s degree in nursing from Villanova University in 1982, and a Doctorate in Education (Ed. D) from Temple University in 1994.

Pat had an exemplary career in higher education working at Gwynedd Mercy College from 1984 until her retirement in 2009 serving as an Associate Professor of Nursing and attaining the final title of Professor Emerita. During that time, she taught thousands of nursing students, serving as the Director of Gwynedd Mercy’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program. She taught her students the importance of healthcare for the poor, the vulnerable and the disabled leading them to clinical and home settings for families in need in the Philadelphia area. She also spearheaded several Parish Nursing Programs, which integrated the profession of nursing and ministry within faith communities.

Pat was a longtime Parishioner of Corpus Christi Church in Upper Gwynedd Township and a part-time parishioner of St. Brendan the Navigator (formerly Maris Stella) in Avalon, NJ. In a generous gesture that reflects their priorities of family and faith, Pat and Joe donated the altar of Corpus Christi Church in the memory of their deceased parents.

Pat’s biggest accomplishment was her children and grandchildren. She loved nothing more than being with and around her children and grandchildren. She especially loved holding her young grandchildren. Pat had a quiet but strong presence, an unwavering faith, and an unmatched determination. These characteristics were apparent in her years long battle with dementia. The unity and love among her children during her battle with dementia was her greatest joy and fulfillment and her final gift to her children.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Patricia’s Funeral Mass on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 900 Sumneytown Pike, Lansdale, PA 19446, where the family will receive friends beginning at 9:00 AM. Interment at St. John Neumann Cemetery in Chalfont, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Patricia’s name may be made to Corpus Christi Church, at the address above. Please note with your donation “In Memory of Patricia Anne Cullen.”