Patricia Cochrane Lawes

On the afternoon of July 16, 2026, Patricia Cochrane Lawes paused briefly on her journey to prepare for the next chapter of her life, eternally reuniting with those she loved who had gone before her.

Patricia’s story began on February 26, 1933 in Waltham, Massachusetts, sharing the most auspicious of days with her brother Paul. Her father, also a Paul, was needless to say, surprised by wife Ruth’s twin offering. The brother and sister increased the family that already comprised Jane and Carol. Romily joined later. In time the Cochrane household relocated to New Haven, Connecticut.

Patricia attended the University of Connecticut where she worked towards her degree in nursing. She was president of the class of 1956 and active in many college circles.

On Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1954, Patricia’s journey took an interesting turn when she married Bernard Charles Lescievius. It was a modest affair, but that was the last time Patricia did anything small scale. Case in point, April 1956, when Patricia and Bernard welcomed their first child, Jocelyn. Quiet family life was short-lived as 18 months later, daughter Lorelei was welcomed. The family building continued for the next 13 years, ending with the birth of their last and tenth child, Jennifer. In between, Gregory, Andrew, Timothy, Heather, Alex, Holly, and Ivy took their places in the hierarchy.

Not satisfied with raising 10 children, Patricia began a second career at St. David’s preschool and later at Chester Bethel preschool. In 1994, Patricia joined her husband, Bernard, in retirement, which was the beginning of the next part of their journey. Moving out of their Kingsridge home, they upsized to their Middletown home, where she remained to the end. The Middletown house was her opportunity to make the home she always wanted. It was also during the post-retirement years that Patricia became a frequent traveler with husband and companion, Bernard.

Patricia was a woman of strength and conviction, warmth and witticisms. She made an impact on everyone who knew her, through the art of conversation, something that she was widely known for. Despite frugal beginnings, Patricia managed to find creative ways to bring color into her family’s life. Rotating wall paint choices, sewing and craft projects with the younger generation, and ceramics were some of the ways she showed off her talents. She was also the master of tackling a problem and seeing it logically through to the end. Her legacy of generosity and creativity lives on in her 9 children, 28 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren.

As her journey continues, we know Patricia will be reunited with her parents Ruth and Paul Cochrane, her son Timothy, siblings Jane, Carol, Paul, and Sheila, her granddaughter Maggie, and several other family members. Sometime in the future, she looks forward to meeting her husband, Bernard Lawes and her sister Romily.

Patricia will be missed by those she left behind, but she is undoubtedly enjoying a grand reunion with her Savior, friends, and family. May she rest in peace.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 am until 11:30 am on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at St. Joseph Parish, 319 East Main Street, Middletown, DE, where a funeral Mass will begin at 11:30 am. Inurnment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Patricia’s memory to Madison Women’s Care Center, 3711 Orin Road, Madison, WI 53704 or online by clicking here; or to the AccentCare Hospice Foundation, 17855 North Dallas Parkway, Suite 200, Attn: Dena Schwartz-Doty, Dallas, TX 75287 or online by clicking here.