We are deeply saddened to share that Patricia "Pat" Thomas, a member of our part-time circulation staff, passed away on October 9, 2025. She had worked at the library for 13 years. Pat was a hardworking and friendly part of our library family, and we will miss her greatly. Below, please find a tribute to her life written by her family.
Patricia Elaine Lewis Thomas
October 14, 1955 to October 9, 2025
Born in Fort Knox, Kentucky to the late Joseph Henry Lewis III and Bernice Lewis, Pat and her family lived on various military bases before settling in North Philadelphia. She attended and graduated from Murrell Dobbins High School in Philadelphia. In her teens, Pat was diagnosed with lupus and would go on to battle the disease for the entirety of her life.
In 1976, Pat graduated from the Medical College of Pennsylvania as a Registered Nurse (RN), where she'd go on to work for the bulk of her nursing career. In 1997 and 2001, respectively, while still working full-time and raising her son, Pat obtained her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Nursing from LaSalle University.
Pat was a member of First Mt. Zion Methodist Church in her youth, and then New Gethsemane Baptist Church until her passing.
After a quarter century of service as an RN at MCP, Pat would expand her career, moving on to work at Merck as a Clinical Research Coordinator. In retirement, Pat worked part-time at the Free Library of Springfield Township in the circulation department. She was also a regular volunteer for Habitat for Humanity.
Pat was an avid reader and also loved collected gadgets. A "jack of all trades," her talents included but were not limited to: certified dressmaker, a great cook, and a competent craftswoman.
Pat is survived by her son Andrew (Camelle); five siblings: David (Julia), Kenneth, Eric (Jullette), Karen, and Steven; two grandchildren, Delondra and Ezra; her aunt Mary Ellis; her uncle James Lewis; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.
