Patricia Bulger

It is with great sadness that the family of Patricia “Patty” Bulger, age 83, announces her passing after a brief illness on Saturday, February 2^nd, 2019, at a local hospital in Weston, FL.  She is lovingly remembered by her two sons Joseph III and his wife Terry in Alabama, and Scott in Washington State; and her two daughters Michelle Diaz and her husband Jorge, and Kelly Smith and her husband John in Pembroke Pines, Florida.  Patty is also adoringly remembered by her eight grandchildren; Joseph IV, Ryan, Heather, Scott, Bridget, Shannon, Andrew, and Chris.  She will be forever remembered by her numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and dear friends.  She is also survived by her brother Ron and her sister Peggy in California.  Patty is predeceased by the “love of her life” and husband Joseph Jr., beloved daughter-in-law Marian and her youngest son Christopher.

It is customary to honor those that leave our world and rise to God’s grace with cherished memories and deep love.  Patty Bulger is such a sole.  Many experienced her whimsical nature and endearing fun attitude.  But there was more – so much more to Patty.  She enriched us with her faith, family, and friendship.  This is why we weep, because we loved her so.

Patty was born in Wisconsin into a sparkling and rambunctious catholic family.  Introduced to society as a young adult, it was not long after starting college that she and her “crazy brother John” went for a summer jaunt through Europe.  It was during this trip to the French Riviera that a dashing young Lieutenant spied the young attractive Patty and engaged her in conversation and interest.  In short order a courtship ensued and led to a fairy tale wedding in the heart of Germany.  Classic military decorum and spiritual splendor abound.  A union grounded by a shared Catholic faith, both Joe and Patty continued a religious commitment throughout their budding marriage and soon to be growing family.  As their romance grew, all that were a part of their journey were blessed.

By her own admission, Patty was a naive newlywed in a military world.  While their love for each other carried them through the trials of matrimony, soon motherhood added to the challenge.  Shortly after the wedding, each year for four years Patty gave birth to a child.  Moreover, after a brief respite, their fifth and final child Chris was born.  Adding to the stress were two military relocation's over five years.  So in short order the young couple were faced with raising five children on a Captains salary, in foreign surroundings and changing communities.  Few parents experience such flight in today’s world.  But Patty thrived in discovering fun at every turn, and the nest glowed because of it.  Whether it was Tetrazzini casserole at a park, skiing on a bayou, or a bedtime reading of “James and the Giant Peach”, Patty found, and created, fun at every turn.  In their world of transition and uncertainty, the family feasted on Patty’s gift. 

True to their relationship, Joe and Patty persevered in raising the family even as the children tugged at finances, time, and energy.  Pivotal to the marriage was the enriching dedication they had to raising the kids and also nurturing their own relationship.  But tragedy also tested the union.  With great pain at the loss of their youngest son, they held onto each other in primal survival.  The couple found strength in each other throughout their journey together.  In Marriage Encounter, Coursillo, and other commitments, they strengthen their bond.  They cherished each other.  They valued each other.  They were joined at the hip.  Simply, the two made the one better. 

It is said that “a mom’s hug lasts long after she lets go.”  So true for Patty’s hugs.  We are warm from her embrace.  Our sole enriched.  Now she walks hand in hand with her beloved Joe, in eternal union.  All is well and right.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at 10:00 AM at Saint John the 23 Catholic Church, Miramar, FL. Patty will be laid to rest aside her beloved Joe Saturday, July 22, 2019, 1:30 PM at the United State Military Academy, West Point, NY. Please contact family for information regarding accommodations at West Point.