Patricia Augusta Eichlin

 Patricia Augusta Eichlin, 90, of New Hope, PA, lovingly known as Pat, Patti, Mom, or Nanny to those closest to her, passed away on April 28, 2025, in Doylestown Hospital in Pennsylvania surrounded by her devoted family. She was born on September 16, 1934, in Bronx, NY, to the late George Vincent and Madeline (O'Shaughnessy) Rigaud.

During her early years, Patricia and her sister, Alice, were raised in foster homes then later at Mount Loretto, a Catholic Orphanage in Staten Island, NY, experiences that gave her resilience, empathy, and deep appreciation for family as well as many interesting stories to share.

Patricia began her working life on Wall Street in Manhattan, then served as a telephone operator for Bell Telephone in NY and NJ before relocating to Hunterdon County, NJ, in 1957 where she met her former husband, and they raised their family. She returned to school in her 40s and graduated from nursing school to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). She wore many hats in her nursing career—working in hospitals, doctors’ offices, the county jail, and providing private duty care—but the role she loved most was being a nanny to babies and young children for several families, where her nurturing spirit truly shone bright. Patricia enjoyed her brief time as an Independent Mary Kay Consultant, introducing her daughter, Greta, to that career path.

Patricia found fun and laughter in everything she did, brightening the lives of those around her with her joyful spirit. She enjoyed reading novels, especially those with an Irish theme and loved watching old movies. She was known to her family and friends as the "Dancing Queen" well into her retirement years, captivating those around her with her zest for life (recently tossing her cane while dancing)! Patricia also enjoyed roller-skating in her youth, sewing, knitting colorful afghans, travel, and all the arts. She became very well known for baking her delicious oatmeal honey marmalade bread which she shared with friends and neighbors, then later sold to locals. She was devoted to making sure the birds outside her condo were well fed and watered throughout the year. She had many special memories of years at Culver Lake in Sussex County, creating memorable experiences with family and her children’s many friends who were always invited to join in for an adventure. She also served as 4-H Sewing Club assistant leader, homeroom mother, and Girl Scout assistant leader. Even though she was raised in the city, she intuitively raised sheep, rabbits, horses, and the famous “Billy the Goat.”

Patricia is survived by her two daughters: Greta Eichlin-Bell, whom she raised, and her husband Frank Bell of Pittstown, NJ; and Debbie Cochran of Washington State, with whom she reunited later in life; and her daughter-in-law, Bay Eichlin of Williams Township, PA. She is also survived by her five precious grandchildren: Maggie Bell (and her fiancé Christopher Manz) of Doylestown, PA, Carey Bell Martin (and her husband Eric Martin) of Newton, NJ, Robert V. Eichlin, and Holly Rose Eichlin of Williams Township, PA, and Deborah’s son Williams “Pi” Wallace (and his wife Megan) of Chinook, WA. She also leaves behind two great-granddaughters, Pi and Megan’s children, and was joyfully awaiting the arrival of a great-grandson—Carey and Eric’s baby—due in August. Patricia is also survived by her sister, Maureen Mitchell Dillow of Sugar Hill, GA, and her half-brothers George, Robert, and Eugene Rigaud, all of North Carolina, as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews, and People she “adopted” as family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Brenda Eichlin, in 1997; her son, Robert C. Eichlin, in 2024; and her former husband, Robert B. Eichlin, in 2006 all of whom she missed dearly and spoke of often with love and longing. She was also preceded in death by her sisters; Alice Rigaud Buchanan and Constance Mitchell Freudenberg, and by Debbie’s late spouse.

A graveside service and burial for Patricia will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday. June 28, 2025, at Locust Grove Cemetery, Quakertown, NJ. She had two final requests: “Don’t be sad when I die—celebrate, and wear something colorful—no black! And plant me under a willow tree so I can be near you.” Following the service (approx. 3:00), a celebration of her life will take place at Clinton Presbyterian Church, 91 Center Street. Light refreshments and hors d'oeuvres will be served as we gather to share memories. In accordance with her wishes, please wear colorful clothing—she insisted on no black—to reflect her joyful nature and vibrant spirit! The celebration will conclude with the planting of a willow tree, a lasting tribute to her free spirit and love of nature.

Cremation and memorial services are under the direction of Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main St., Flemington NJ. For further information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.