Patricia Jean Honan

August 13, 1938 - May 23, 2026

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Obituaries

Patricia Jean Honan

Patricia Jean Honan, adoringly known as “Pat‘’, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family on May 23, 2026. Born in Chicago, Illinois on August 13, 1938, she was the beloved daughter of the late Paul James “P.J.” Edwards and Jeanne Edwards.

Pat’s ever easy-going personality was demonstrated when her husband’s career moved their young family to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was there that she raised her family and built lifelong friendships. Pat moved once again to Raleigh, North Carolina.

Pat truly devoted her life, first and foremost, to her family. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, she had a gift for making people feel welcomed, heard as well as deeply cared for. Pat was truly one of the best listeners, always ready with comforting words, a funny story, or one of her famous one-liners. Her family and friends will forever remember Pat’s love of music and, most especially, the Neil Diamond sing-alongs she often led, filling any gathering with pure fun and laughter.

After dedicating many years as a stay-at-home mother, Pat began her last “professional position” as a patient registrar at Forbes Regional Hospital in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, and continued in the field until retiring from Wake Medical Hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Pat devoted countless hours of her time and talents to her church and school organizations. She served as a room mother and avid volunteer at St. Regis Catholic School in Trafford, Pennsylvania and was a faithful parishioner of Saint Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church in Raleigh.

Pat was incredibly talented and creative. Sewing was one of her favorite hobbies as she dotingly made clothes for her children as well as handmade touches that turned the Honan house into a lovely home. Pat found joy in cooking and entertaining, hosting Christmas Eve or Pumpkin Carving parties, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and the University of Pittsburgh Panthers. She enjoyed return visits to her favorite cities of Pittsburgh and Chicago, playing bingo, cards, puzzles, board games, and spending time with her beloved cat Gracie. Pat especially enjoyed family vacations to Lake Gaston and the Outer Banks. Above all else, Pat’s greatest passion in her life was her children and grandchildren. She made each feel endlessly loved, whether through a conversation, a back scratch, a meal (the best scrambled eggs!), a joke, or simply her comforting presence. Everyone who had the fortune to know her adored Pat, and her family will always be wrapped in the warmth, kindness, and unconditional love she gave so freely.

Pat is survived by her children, Daniel (Christine) Honan of Pittsburgh, PA, Karen (Glenn) Kukis of Round Lake Beach IL, Kathleen (Timothy) Hickey, and Maureen (James) Tunney of Raleigh NC; her cherished grandchildren Ryan Day, Kaitlyn Kukis, Abigail Kukis, Jack Kukis, Regan Hickey, Sean Tunney, Aidan Tunney; and her sister, Roberta Meyers.

Pat was preceded in death by her eldest daughter, Deborah Bruegmann; her husband, George Honan; as well as her brothers, James and John Edwards.

A remembrance gathering followed by a Funeral Mass celebrating Pat’s life will be held at Saint Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church on Thursday, June 4th. The gathering will begin at 10am followed by the Funeral Mass at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorial donations be made to Chicago-based not-for-profit The Brotherhood for the Fallen (www.brotherhoodforthefallen.org) which supports families of police officers fallen in the line of duty across the United States.

“May the road rise to meet her, may the wind be always at her back, and until we meet Pat again, may God hold her in the palm of His hand.”

Services

4 Jun

Receiving of Family and Friends

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church 5801 Falls of Neuse Rd. Raleigh, NC 27609 Get Directions »
Obituaries
4 Jun

Mass

11:00 AM

St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church 5801 Falls of Neuse Rd. Raleigh, NC 27609 Get Directions »
Obituaries
4 Jun

Rite of Committal

12:00 PM

St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church 5801 Falls of Neuse Rd. Raleigh, NC 27609 Get Directions »
Obituaries
by Obituary Assistant

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  • June 03, 2026

    Dan, Katie, Karen and Maureen-just seeing your mom's picture brings me back almost 60 years to the day I met our new neighbor on Kimbark! You were all younger than I was, so I'm sure I am a distant memory for you, but your mother made quite an impression on me. She was the kindest, honest, and most joyful adult I had ever met! It seems as if all those qualities remained constant throughout her life and now, she is at peace after a life well lived. I hope each day brings you a bit more joyful memories of Pat and a bit less pain in your heart. Ellen O'Neill White 🙏🏻

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    May 29, 2026

    Auntie Pat I will always remember your love, warmth, wisdom, humor, laugh and so many amazing memories. I love you!!

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    May 29, 2026

    Your mom - oh my gosh - she was one of my favorite reasons for coming to your gatherings. She was such a positive, fun person. I always wanted to go sit with with her FIRST!! You all will miss her so much but just think how lucky you were to have a mom as special as she. Hugs to all of you!!! Love - Shelley Unruh

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    May 28, 2026

    Mom, There are no words big enough for this kind of loss. My heart hurts in ways I never knew it could. Life will never feel quite the same without you in it. I already miss your voice, your hugs, and even all the blame lol. A piece of my heart went with you and I don't think that piece will ever fully come back. The world feels dimmer without you here. I love you forever my beautiful Mom. Rest well.💔🕊️

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    May 27, 2026

    My beautiful Aunt Pat was truly my angel in my time of need Always in my heart forever Love you so very much patty honan

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    May 27, 2026

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    May 27, 2026

    To the Honan family- sending prayers for you in this tough time. I can't express enough what Pat meant to me and many others growing up- I have so many fond memories spending time with her and your family and all our friends in the home she made so welcoming. The Neil Diamond lyrics are burned in my memory- learned and practiced at the kitchen table with Pat leading the way- such a loving woman- glad to know she is again united with George in the peace of Christ. Love to you all- Dan Ratkus-'Rackley' 😊

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    May 27, 2026

    I don't know if I have enough right words to convey what a beautiful and dynamic person that was Patricia Honan. I met Pat through her daughter Karen. Her smile, her laughter, her character were shared with everyone she met. I loved the fact that she welcomed me into her home and graciously put me up for a couple days. I had so much fun with Pat. I have so many fond memories with her that it would be impossible to tell them all. I'm sure God has welcomed her into heaven with open arms. It wouldn't surprise me if she has already organized some Pittsburgh fans for game day cheers!

  • May 27, 2026

    Karen, Katie, Maureen, and Dan, My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. I will always remember your mom and dad welcoming me into your home during high school!! Oh the fun we had..... most recently though your sweet mom would comment on my photos of my kids and grandbabies in Facebook. I always smiled when I saw that Pat Honan commented! Such a funny, sweet person. She is singing sweet Caroline and dancing once again with your dad♥️ Take care. Love Amy Brady

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