Patricia L. (Landenberger) Nugent

Patricia “Trish” Nugent Trish was born in northern New Jersey, living in Nutley before spending 5th and 6th grade in Paris, France. Her dad worked for the Marshall Plan for the reconstruction of post war Europe.

 We think she was a precocious preteen because one of her favorite stories from her French years was entering the Moulin Rouge nightclub, early one afternoon with a friend from school and ordering Cherry Cokes while seated at the bar.

All was not nightclubbing in Paris apparently, as she was allowed to skip 7th grade upon returning to New Jersey. In high school, she became a South Jersey girl, graduating from Collingswood High School, while living in Medford Lakes.

Trish went to the University of Vermont studying elementary education, and having skipped that 7th grade, ended up sitting next to her husband of 61 years in an English class. On “Sadie Hawkins Day”, she asked him out on a date, and after 60 plus years, kept any regrets internalized.

 After graduation, she spent her years of educational skills raising three children and her husband.

When the children were older and college expenses loomed on the horizon, Trish entered the workforce in sales. Although nervous at first, she quickly realized, as most women do, that she was brighter than and far more organized than many of her male counterparts. She loved sales and the confidence it gave her in life.

 In her earlier years in Barrington. Trish loved playing tennis and enjoyed the friendships that developed as a result.

 She also enjoyed many adventures, (not always at the time) sailing aboard their Catalina 25, “Knot Krazy”. Over 30 years up and down Narragansett Bay produced some great stories and several grey hairs.

 Eventually, she realized that exercising in warm water was far more fun than trying to stay dry while sailing in cold water. As a result, she came to love water aerobics and made many new friends in a much more comfortable environment.

 She and Jack did several cruises on riverboats throughout Europe, which she loved. She often reminded him how peaceful it was when there was a competent Captain, and the anchor wasn't dragging.... I would also be remiss not to tell you that her great love was being at the beach. Especially, if it could be in the Turks and Caicos, and the water was warm, and a cocktail might be available.

 Trish retired from work when she was 58. A year later, she suffered a major stroke caused by a blocked carotid. Instead of folding her tent, she fought her way back to full mobility. She did the same later with back surgery and a knee replacement. Through all of this, she kept her humor intact and never lost her ability to laugh.

 She loved her children and grandchildren immensely. She was incredibly proud of all they had accomplished.

She truly was an awesome Mother, Grandmother and Wife. And especially, an awesome lady.

 Her family will be forever grateful for the guidance and support offered by the palliative care and Hospice nurses of VNA Care New England. Please consider them for any donations you may wish to make in Trish's memory. www.VNACareNewEngland.org

Finally, a special thank you to Kathy Tran who cared for Trish over the past two and a half years of her life. Also, a hug for Nadia Evora, CNA who was our glue during the final weeks of Trish’s struggle