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Patricia H. McGurkin, age 69, beloved wife of Jerry McGurkin, passed away peacefully on Jan. 2 from complications related to her courageous fight against pancreatic cancer. She maintained her positive attitude and determination to win that lifted up all of us during her challenging journey battling this disease.

Pat was born on March 17, 1949, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and was the loving daughter of the late Daniel and Catherine Barry Higgins. Pat grew up in Roselle, New Jersey, and excelled in academics and athletics at St. Joseph High School. She graduated from Central Connecticut State University.

Pat is survived by her loving husband of 43 years Jerry McGurkin; and her three loving daughters and their families, Kelly Ploszay and her husband AJ, Erin White and her husband Alexander, and Meghan McGurkin. She is also survived by the loves of her life, her six grandchildren. Pat is also survived by her two brothers, Daniel Higgins and his wife Judy of Roselle, New Jersey, and Richard Higgins and his wife Helen of Sarasota, Florida.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Jan. 11 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Margaret’s Church, 24 Academy St., Madison, CT 06443. In lieu of flowers donations can be made online in Pat’s name by visiting The National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation at www.npcf.us.