Patricia Borowicz

Patricia Borowicz died peacefully at her daughter's home in Austin on Friday, December 19, 2008. She was 83 years old and lived a full, rich life as a wife, mother, nurse, and friend to all. Pat is preceded in death by her husband Ed of 55 years, who died in 2003. Pat was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 15, 1925 to Cora and Olaf Heidal. After spending much of her childhood in Philadelphia, Pat's family moved to Elizabeth, New Jersey. After graduating from Battin High School, Pat entered the nursing program at East Orange General Hospital and became a registered nurse. About this time she met Edwin Borowicz of Elizabeth, and they married in 1948. Pat worked as a nurse for over 50 years. She spent the majority of her nursing career working at Elizabeth General Hospital as an emergency room nurse. Pat added a compassionate touch to the patients who entered the E. R. We children always found it funny that, after treating accident victims, she would wince seeing us bleeding or washing one of our skinned knees with soap and water. She empathized with all, especially her children. Pat balanced her nursing career with raising four children. One major accomplishment was finally obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in 1975 from Kean College after years of part-time classes. Pat and Ed moved to Austin in 1981 to "retire," but Pat worked in pediatrics at Travis Children's Clinic and then the Austin Regional Clinic until 2000. She and Ed were vigorously involved in St. Paul's Catholic Church from its inception. Pat was an active member of the Woman's Guild and volunteered in the church's office until recently. Besides her husband, Pat's brother Bob and sister Anne predeceased her. She is survived by her sisters, Laura Heidal of Bridgewater, New Jersey and Jean DeSalvo of Chester, New Jersey; her four children: Bill Borowicz of Allen, Sue Nazar and Bob Borowicz of Austin, and Patti Schreiner of Golden, Colorado; eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. To all who knew her, Pat came alive whenever she was around people. She engaged you and you couldn't help but reciprocate. Her spirit of optimism will be sorely missed. The family wishes to thank Hospice Austin for their enlightenment and compassionate assistance. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin or to St. Paul's Catholic Church. A memorial mass will be held on Monday, December 29 at 11:00 a.m., at St. Paul's Catholic Church, 10000 David Moore Drive, Austin.