My deepest sympathy to all of the children, grandchildren, extended family, former students, colleagues and friends of Patricia Herlihy, on her passing. Since I live out of state, it was only a sense of loss I felt today (10/27/18) that prompted me to find this news online. I appreciate Irene's call the other day to tell me how seriously ill Pat was and I am sorry I didn't manage to see her a few months ago.
I will always remember how she and David, at Harvard, invited us (my husband, KC, a USF grad who now has Alzheimer's, our young son and me) to attend annual Mather House dinners. A long friendship ensued. After David's passing, Pat always kept in touch, updating me on her literary contributions, professorships, family milestones and travels. We enjoyed a high tea together in San Francisco and she graciously attended my husband's 75th birthday celebration. She was brilliant, humble, ebullient, caring and, with David, so very accomplished; both published scholars in Italian and, she, also, in Russian history.
In later years we stayed in touch and I remained in awe of how well she successfully managed a very full life with grace and caring, all the while dealing with health challenges. She often signed her notes or emails with "hugs," so symbolic of her giving nature. Her presence will be missed by me and all fortunate enough to have known her. Memories of Pat and David will remain in the legacy of family, friends and in their unique literary and scholarly contributions.
E. Thomas-Jones - Saturday October 27, 2018 via Condolence Message