Patricia Boyle Heaman

Patricia Boyle Heaman died peacefully, graciously, and comfortably on Monday, June 8, surrounded by her loving family. A graduate of Hanover High School and Wilkes College, Patricia was awarded a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in English literature. She returned to the Valley to teach English at Wilkes College where she remained throughout her career. Patricia will be remembered for her devotion to teaching and scholarship, her mentorship of her students and colleagues, and her commitment to her community and social justice. At Wilkes, she chaired the English Department for 12 years and established the Writing Lab, making writing a central component of the department.

An early and profoundly committed feminist, Patricia served long on the boards of the League of Women Voters and Planned Parenthood of Northeast PA. Her commitment to feminism is also reflected in her scholarship, where she published numerous articles and reviews including studies of George Eliot, Elizabeth Gaskell, Katherine Mansfield, Dorothy Richardson, Flannery O’Connor and Zora Neale Hurston. Recognizing the power of the written word, she was instrumental in the establishment and day-to-day operations of the White Haven Area Community Library, where she volunteered for the remainder of her life.

Patricia is survived by her husband Bob, her daughter Maggie Heaman and her husband Joe Francis of Santa Clara CA, her step daughter Catherine and her husband Eric Weaver of West Chester PA, her grandson Nash Weaver, and her sisters Stephanie Cawley of White Haven, Marion Petrillo of Wilkes-Barre, Michele Boyle of Binghamton NY, Anne Boyle of Winston-Salem NC, and Jackie Ghormoz of Wilkes-Barre, and several brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Marion Boyle, and her sister Suzie Rash.

Family and friends most appreciate what she created, a welcoming home and gardens where everyone gathered for companionship, community, reflection, inspiration and nourishment for body and soul. While we mourn her loss, we celebrate the legacy she left for us--an ever widening circle of love.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 27, 2015 at 3 PM in the Ballroom of the Henry Student Center on the campus of Wilkes University.

Memorial donations are preferred and may be made to the Patricia Boyle Heaman and Robert J. Heaman Scholarship fund at Wilkes University

Patricia’s family is being assisted by McLaughlin’s.

Memories and condolences may be shared with Patricia’s family at www.lifecelebrations.com