Patricia Marie Powell (Mealey) Loftus Obituary
Patricia Marie Powell (Mealey)
Loftus
April 27, 2019
Resided in Garnet Valley, PA
Patricia Marie Powell Loftus (nee Mealey), age 80, passed away peacefully at the home of her daughter, with her beloved children by her side on April 27, 2019. Pat fought numerous health issues over the past few years with a warrior spirit and determination that amazed and inspired everyone that knew her.
Pat was born in Philadelphia on March 12, 1939 and raised by her grandmother in Collingdale until 1959 when she married the love of her life, Norman “Peanut” Powell, Jr. Pat and Peanut lived in Darby where they welcomed two children, Patrice and Norman III. Deeply involved in their community, both Pat and Peanut were involved with Darby Fire Patrol #2, Pat as a member of the Ladies Auxiliary and Peanut as a dedicated fire fighter. While serving as Captain of the Fire House, tragedy struck the young Powell family when Peanut lost his life in the line of duty in June, 1971. Fate intervened for Pat when the strikingly beautiful, young widow found true love for a second time upon meeting John Douglas “Doug” Loftus. They wed on October 3, 1973. Doug immediately stepped into the role of loving father to young Patrice and Norman, III and soon the family welcomed a third child, John Douglas. In 1978, Pat, Doug and their three kids moved to Aston. Unbelievably, tragedy struck again as Pat and the children lost Doug Sr. to a brain aneurysm in October 1980. After sadly losing two wonderfully loving husbands, Pat refused to succumb to the trials life handed her and instead, applied her steadfast determination and drive by continuing to raise and provide the very best for her children. Pat’s typical resiliency prevailed as she began working for Neumann University. Once her children were grown and on their own, Pat made some major decisions, beginning with the downsizing of her home in Aston to a more manageable residence in Garnet Valley. She continued to work for Neumann in several roles, until deciding to retire in 2002 to lovingly care for two of her grandchildren. When those grandchildren were of school age, Pat’s journey led her back into the workforce taking her boundless energy and friendly manner to Target where she worked until health issues prevailed.
Pat was a kind, gentle and loving woman who cherished her family and friends. Her children and grandchildren kept her youthful and on her toes! Holidays and get-togethers were filled by her boundless love, youthful spirit, unforgettable laugh and, if you were lucky, her delicious cooking! Always one to protect and comfort her family, Pat leaves us with countless loving, funny and entertaining memories to provide comfort and peace during this difficult time and to forever cherish along with her memory and endless love.
Pat is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Patrice and Kevin Kelly of Newark, DE; two sons, Norman Powell, III and Doug Loftus, both of Garnet Valley, PA; three grandchildren, Ava and Logan Kelly and Danielle (Kaes) Delgrego; two great grandchildren, Elizabeth and Penelope Delgrego.
Pat will be greatly missed by her family and friends whose lives she’s enriched along the way through her compassion, lively spirit, fierce determination, zest and love of life. Although the internment will be private, family and friends are invited to attend a luncheon and Celebration of Life in Pat’s honor on Friday, May 3rd from Noon to 3PM at Duffer’s Mill (1600 Naamans Creek Rd, Garnet Valley, PA 19061).
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests friends and family perform a random act of kindness in Pat’s honor.
Kindly omit flowers.
Pat was born in Philadelphia on March 12, 1939 and raised by her grandmother in Collingdale until 1959 when she married the love of her life, Norman “Peanut” Powell, Jr. Pat and Peanut lived in Darby where they welcomed two children, Patrice and Norman III. Deeply involved in their community, both Pat and Peanut were involved with Darby Fire Patrol #2, Pat as a member of the Ladies Auxiliary and Peanut as a dedicated fire fighter. While serving as Captain of the Fire House, tragedy struck the young Powell family when Peanut lost his life in the line of duty in June, 1971. Fate intervened for Pat when the strikingly beautiful, young widow found true love for a second time upon meeting John Douglas “Doug” Loftus. They wed on October 3, 1973. Doug immediately stepped into the role of loving father to young Patrice and Norman, III and soon the family welcomed a third child, John Douglas. In 1978, Pat, Doug and their three kids moved to Aston. Unbelievably, tragedy struck again as Pat and the children lost Doug Sr. to a brain aneurysm in October 1980. After sadly losing two wonderfully loving husbands, Pat refused to succumb to the trials life handed her and instead, applied her steadfast determination and drive by continuing to raise and provide the very best for her children. Pat’s typical resiliency prevailed as she began working for Neumann University. Once her children were grown and on their own, Pat made some major decisions, beginning with the downsizing of her home in Aston to a more manageable residence in Garnet Valley. She continued to work for Neumann in several roles, until deciding to retire in 2002 to lovingly care for two of her grandchildren. When those grandchildren were of school age, Pat’s journey led her back into the workforce taking her boundless energy and friendly manner to Target where she worked until health issues prevailed.
Pat was a kind, gentle and loving woman who cherished her family and friends. Her children and grandchildren kept her youthful and on her toes! Holidays and get-togethers were filled by her boundless love, youthful spirit, unforgettable laugh and, if you were lucky, her delicious cooking! Always one to protect and comfort her family, Pat leaves us with countless loving, funny and entertaining memories to provide comfort and peace during this difficult time and to forever cherish along with her memory and endless love.
Pat is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Patrice and Kevin Kelly of Newark, DE; two sons, Norman Powell, III and Doug Loftus, both of Garnet Valley, PA; three grandchildren, Ava and Logan Kelly and Danielle (Kaes) Delgrego; two great grandchildren, Elizabeth and Penelope Delgrego.
Pat will be greatly missed by her family and friends whose lives she’s enriched along the way through her compassion, lively spirit, fierce determination, zest and love of life. Although the internment will be private, family and friends are invited to attend a luncheon and Celebration of Life in Pat’s honor on Friday, May 3rd from Noon to 3PM at Duffer’s Mill (1600 Naamans Creek Rd, Garnet Valley, PA 19061).
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests friends and family perform a random act of kindness in Pat’s honor.
Kindly omit flowers.
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