Patricia Gould, 84, the matriarch of the Gould family, passed away suddenly at her home on Monday, January 11, 2021. Born in 1936 to the late Caroline and Paul Kochenour, she grew up in York, Pennsylvania where she attended York Catholic High School and later, St Joseph’s Nursing School. She met her husband, the late Stanley Gould, M.D. while working at York General Hospital.
They moved to Yardley, Pennsylvania in 1971. They were long-time congregants of Ahavath Israel Synagogue, and Patricia was its first female President. Patricia worked at St. Mary’s Hospital in Langhorne where she was the nurse manager, and in her retirement enjoyed get-togethers with her friends from the hospital. Patricia also kept in touch with lifelong friends from elementary and high school, and she looked forward to their monthly reunions in York where they would reminisce about the good old days.
Patricia had a love of travel and spoke often of her trips to London where she and Stan would go to the theater. They had a particular fondness for Phantom of the Opera. One of her most memorable trips was on safari in Africa. She also enjoyed cruises and, as recently as last year, she had planned on a cruise to Alaska. She was a long-suffering Eagles’ fan and was happy to finally see them win the Super Bowl in 2018.
She had a sharp wit and always spoke her mind. Patricia remained active up until the end of her life. During the summer, she would swim 40 laps a day. It was often remarked, “she had no rest in her ass.”
Those that knew her will remember her countless stories that she enjoyed sharing with anyone who would lend an ear. She possessed an incredible memory and could recount age-old details in her stories. She embodied the straightforwardness and no-nonsense attitude that shined through her Pennsylvania Dutch roots, while also sharing the love of family and cooking from her Italian heritage. The kitchen table was the focal point of her house where she would hold court.
She loved visits from friends and neighbors and long phone calls with her few remaining relatives. She and her daughter, Gretchen, would do local weekend gallivants and take numerous day trips back to York to go shopping and visit with friends and relatives. She was happiest spending time with her grandson, Michael, and enjoyed cooking for him.
She will be deeply missed by her daughter, Gretchen Richards, son, Michael Gould, son-in-law John Richards, III and grandson, Michael Paul Gould, II as well as friends, neighbors and relatives.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Road, Newtown, Pennsylvania. All are welcome and are asked to arrive by 10:15 a.m.
Contributions in memory of Patricia may be made to York Catholic High School, 601 E. Springettsbury Avenue, York, Pennsylvania, 17403.
Rodney and I will miss Patsys visits to York and our house for lunch with the remnants of the Rooney(aka Donia) family . We talked about everybody and laughed our hearts out!
She had a gift for getting people together and for cooking. Who will plan our future lunch dates?
PATSY WAS A VERY SPECIAL person. We miss her already.
Goodbye and we will have lunch with you one day Patsy.
We willi miss Patsy more than we can say.
BArbara & .Rodney. ROONEY.
I worked with Pat at St. Mary’s when she was a Nurse Manager and I in the staffing office. She was my favorite manager, always thoughtful of all the staff. She would always bring back a little souvenir for all of us from her many trips which I still have and cherish. I know she is in a peaceful place now and I will always remember her with love.
Prayers to the family, 💕
Nancy Aichele
She sure was the Queen Bee to many…. and loved her dry sense of humor!!
So sad that we weren’t able to get the Boundary Ave. gang together due to Covid this past year! She will be missed by many!!
Patsy was a lovely and friendly person whom we grew to love when we visited Gretchen and husband, John Richards (my son). Our next visits won’t be the same without her, however I’m sure her spirit will be hovering close by and sharing her love. Am praying for comfort for the family and Tevye.
Patsy will be missed. I enjoyed visiting with my children and hearing her stories of our family. When I think of Patsy & our family I smile. A good life she lived ! I choose to remember her cooking/ entertaining, dry sense of humor, direct talk, and her “ oh well” attitude.
Rest well Patsy we miss you already! Much love to Gretchen & Michael and family
So sorry to hear of Patsy passing,she was indeed a wonderful enjoyable lady we will miss her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family now.
I am so very sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. She was my nurse manager at St. Mary’s and I can say the best one I ever worked with!
My condolences to Pat’s family. Pat was a true leader. She gave me my start at St. Mary back in 1990 and I’ll always be thankful to her for that. I can remember her talking about her African safari and I still have the wooden giraffe displayed on my bureau that she brought back for many of her staff. I thought about her often through the years. A life well-lived. Rest in peace Pat 😢😢❤❤
Patsy was my Mother in Law, and head of the family. She was an awesome person. She loved to cook and have family gather around her table. She loved to tell her stories, and we loved to hear them. I loved her more than I can say. She is missed and very fondly remembered.
Hello Gretchen,John and family. So so sorry for the loss of your Mom n Mother in law. My heart goes out to you and your family at this time of sorrow..Try to remember all the good times you shared..Treasure your memories for they will be forever in your hearts. Please send my condolences to your brother n your mom’s grandson too. May comfort come to all of you at this time of sorrow.. xoxo Love,Shari Leichter
I am so sorry to hear about your Mother, Pat Gould. I worked with your Father, Staney Gould for many years at Woods Services and enjoyed that time. Your Mother was a lovely person and great nurse and a great hostess for events we had at your home. My love is sent to all of you and blessings,