Patricia J. Freedman, 62, of Clayton, DE, surrounded by loving family and friends, died peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018 at Christiana Hospital, Newark DE from pancreatic cancer.

She was born in Philadelphia, PA on March 15, 1956, the daughter of Nancy Freedman and the late Arthur Freedman.

She was a graduate of St. Helena's School and Cardinal Dougherty HS, both of Philadelphia. She earned a B.A. from Franciscan University, Steubenville, Ohio, and an M.Admin. from the University of Southern Mississippi.

In her work and personal life Patricia sought to bring the Truth that is Christ to all around her.  She was serving as the Director of Religious Education at St. Polycarp (Smyrna, DE), where the community held her in high esteem and cherished her.  As Sister Dominic Mary, O.P. she was a valued and beloved member of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia in Nashville, TN from 1988 to 2011.  As a Dominican sister she served in various capacities, including: Director of Development, Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation (Nashville, TN); President of the Domincan Campus: Overbrook School, St. Cecilia Academy and Aquinas College (Nashville, TN); Principal and teacher, St. Thomas Aquinas Regional School (Arlington, VA); Principal, Overbrook School (Nashville, TN); Director of Religious Education, St. Joseph Parish (Cranston, RI); Prior to her vocation with the Dominicans, she was Leader of the Charismatic Prayer Group, St Helena Parish (Phila, PA).

Patricia delighted in all things British: literature, movies and many BBC programs.  She wanted to make a return trip to England after her treatment for pancreatic cancer.  She was an avid reader, and especially liked biographies, spy and religious books.  She had a fondness for New England and nautical themes.  Patricia had a love for classical music, but enjoyed and kept up with most musical genres.  Patricia kept abreast of all offerings on Broadway.

Patricia was forever excited about cooking, baking, entertaining and Christmas.  Her cellphone ring was "Jingle Bells", even on her last day.  Patricia had a deep spiritual life and served the Lord every day.  She was remarkably peaceful and had a gift for making people feel special and loved.  She had an unusually large number of friends.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by a brother, Tom Freedman.

In addition to her mother, Nancy Freedman of Lafayette Hill, PA, she is survived by her twin brother, James Freedman, of Oreland, PA, a sister, Diane Freedman Drinker (Ned Drinker) of Conshohocken, PA; and her niece and nephews, Daniel, William and Emily Drinker and Paul Freedman.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered 12 PM Saturday, April 14 at St. Polycarp Catholic Church, 55 Ransom Lane, Smyrna, where a visitation will be held from 10 AM – 12 PM. Following the Mass, a reception will be held in the parish hall.

Burial will 12 PM Monday, April 16 at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Cheltenham, PA.

Memorial donations may be made to Melmark, a service provider for children and adults with special needs at 2600 Wayland Rd., Berwyn, PA 19312 https://ecomm.melmark.org/make-a-donation

Her favorite quotation was from Jeremiah 29:11.13

For I know the plans

I have for you

declares the Lord…

Plans to give you hope

and a future…

You will seek me

and find me

when you seek me

with all your heart.

To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.matthewsbryson.com

Arrangements are by Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.