Embracing the promised joy of eternal life, Pat departed her earthly home during the early morning hours of February 7th surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Her final days were spent peacefully and comfortably in her home.

Pat waged a courageous fight against cancer for several years surprising her physicians with her grit, tenacity, resolve, and ability to bounce back from ever more challenging obstacles. She greeted each day with humor and a positive disposition exemplifying grace under pressure. Her medical teams and caregivers showered Pat with compassionate care to whom the family extends a heartfelt appreciation and Pat's request to "keep up the good work!"

As a St Patrick's Day Eve baby, Pat was born to Agnes Johnson Gaffney and John J. Gaffney on March 16, 1942. She grew up in the Freeland/Eckley area of the Pocono Mountains among a large extended Irish family. Following a desire to serve and experience life beyond a small town, Pat enrolled in the Thomas Jefferson School of Nursing after high school graduation. She was very proud of her nursing career and for earning her BS from Wilmington University while working full time, raising three small children as a single mother, and making Dean's List every semester.

Spanning decades during her career as an RN and nursing supervisor, Pat cared for patients and inspired generations of nurses in several of the Philadelphia area health systems including lengthy service at Hahnemann Hospital. Pat often found herself accepting challenging assignments in the emergency department, operating room, and oncology floor, among others.

Pat is a constant source of inspiration to her family and will be missed greatly. She was blessed with a life that included four generations of family. Pat is survived by her daughter Kathleen Chimicles, her husband Nick and their children and grandchildren Peter Chimicles and his wife Siri, Nicholas Chimicles, Stephanie (née Chimicles) Saunders, her husband Adam and daughter Sloane, and Gregory Chimicles and his son Aiden; Pat's son Paul Balon, his wife Christine, and daughter Juliana; Pat's son Timothy and his wife Tamara and their children Taylor and Timothy Jr.; Pat's brothers John "Jack" Gaffney and his wife Geraldine and Edward Gaffney and his wife Suzanne; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, including two great great nephews and a third on the way. Pat's large multi-generational extended family brought pride and happiness especially during a special celebration—baptism, wedding, and the frequent reunions. Her beaming smile and gentle laugh lit up a room as she took a keen interest in everyone's adventures.

When her sons were young Pat was a fixture at their football games often serving as team nurse. Many a Sunday afternoon would find Pat ironing her children's parochial school uniforms while shouting "Go Eagles". Those experiences grew into a lifelong passion for watching professional football and recently college football. Pat embraced all sports and activities of interest to her grandchildren: football, baseball, soccer, crew, robotics, tennis, cross country, and track, to name a few. Attending a competition was a single joy to her where she was always an enthusiastic and vocal supporter.

Pat loved to travel and embraced the exotic unconventional experience as well as a relaxing visit with family.  She visited over half the US continental states, Hawaii, Alaska, and eleven countries.  Many trips were with her extended family including the Chimicles Family trips to Ireland, England, Scotland, Bermuda,  and China; hiking, camping, and rafting through the Grand Canyon and cruising the Venice canals with cousins; a river cruise through the Pacific Northwest and heritage tour of Ireland with her brother; and exploring Australia and New Zealand with her brother and cousins­­­—to name just a few adventures.

Her Catholic faith was an inspiration and comfort to Pat, especially through her illness. She requested that the family extend her deepest gratitude to the many individuals and prayer groups who traveled the journey of her illness with her. She could feel the love, support, and spiritual comfort each day.

Services will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at St. Monica Church, 63 Main Street, Berwyn, PA 19312. Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., with Words of Remembrance at 11:45 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 pm. Interment will be conducted privately by the family at a future date.

In lieu of flowers the family requests mourners consider a donation in Pat's memory to the Department of Nursing Education Scholarship Fund at Drexel University.  On-line donations may be made via this link https://giving.drexel.edu/Gaffney .  Kindly include the code CS-CNH-GEN GAFFNEY on your check if making a contribution by check. Thank you for your donation to this scholarship fund supporting future nurses.