It can’t be so. However, it is. Thirty-nine is just too young for your journey to end. I am so deeply sorry. But here we are, so unfair. YOU JUST LANDED exactly where you wanted and needed to be. Married the love of your life, (you thought it was so cool you did not need to change your initials) Had the children you craved so deeply, for so long. Two little miracles were born. You told me you traded in your fun car for a mini-van and you were good with it! Girl, you made it look good. That smile on your face was beaming! You could have rode a bicycle with them on the back in 40 inches of snow, as long as they were warm and happy you could not care. And it showed! You arrived, and… then this. During our time together, countless (and they were not easy) crushed goals, laughs, and lunches. Oh, how we planned lunches from the moment we walked into the office. It is comical. Would it be Italian? Chinese? American flare? Greek or Mexican? You always loved the Mexican option. When we were at lunch you always chuckled when I got up to wash my hands after I ordered. “Cleanliness and years in healthcare,” I would tell you. You always laughed but followed right behind me. Everyday LUNCH was our priority! Time to break bread, recharge, and have a lot of laughs. Who am I kidding? We always laughed. The day I learned that you were coming to the team, I was jazzed. I was told by our boss some gal from Florida, needs to sell a house and move back to the northeast so it will be a bit of time before she comes. I too just recently moved back to NJ so totally got it. We immediately swapped stories of the “grass is not always greener moving out of state!” There is no place like home. We earned those ruby red slippers. The day you started it was clear, we would gel and make “magic” happen. You were honest since day one. You had a plan. You climbed for the right reasons. Let’s be honest, you had it in you. Fearless. Moving forward because you always had a plan. We looked for that “red sock” for the longest time. You kept one, I kept the other. Only YOU would understand this. We tragically lost a part of US along the way when our coworker and friend Chris Pappas, lost his life in a tragic accident. We could not wrap our minds around it. Now you. I do not even think I can make it to your wake or funeral. It is just too hard. WE were the three musketeers, even though we ALL disliked that candy bar. When I was out of work, you championed me and said, “Come to-with me! We will do lunches and crush our goals like we did before!” I am praying for your husband Dan, and your beautiful and two beautiful babies, Damian and Aurora. Your parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, your entire family. You will be missed. I will always think of you when I hear “You’re killing’ me smalls!” and “Bingo Bango!” Thank you for some epic memories. I, MANY will miss you.

I am heart sick to hear of the passing of beautiful Patrice. I have so many fond memories of our car pools and time spent at swim meets. She was always the sweetest of the bunch. Our Lord most have needed another angel. Please know your entire family are in my prayers. Sending love and heartwarming condolences.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Patrice's entire family. Love the Paradiso family

In memory of Patrice Anne DeLisi, Leslie Chaillet lit a candle

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.