Patricia Mulligan Steffens

Patricia (Pat) Mulligan Steffens, 93 of Mandeville, LA and formerly of Vineland, NJ passed away on January 13, 2026, at St Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington, La. She was born on August 11, 1932, in Vineland, NJ to the late William Mulligan & Rebecca Buck Mulligan. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, George Steffens; sister and brother-in law, Dorothy & Jim Cavanaro; nephew, Paul Cavanaro; sister-in law, Josephine Mulligan and granddaughter, Kristin Letellier.

Patricia graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1950 where she was a 4-year Class Officer. Following high school, she attended Glassboro State Teaching College which later became Rowan University and earned her Bachelor of Education Degree. During high school she met George, and they were married in 1954 and together for 57 years. After graduation, they remained in Vineland, NJ where she began her teaching career.

Mrs. Steffens then started teaching kindergarten for the Vineland Board of Education. She thoroughly loved her school and students. Mrs. Steffens was promoted to teacher-in-charge of the Kindergarten Center. Mrs. Steffens won several teaching awards, throughout her 32 years of teaching for the Vineland Board of Education prior to retiring in 1989. She received under Gov. Thomas Keen the 1st Teacher Recognition Award in 1986 for Kindergarten Centers. Mrs. Steffens also won Outstanding Elementary Teacher of America Award in 1975. She was awarded a $1000.00 mini grant by the New Jersey State Department of Education for her work in “Noah’s Ark” in 1973 and extended through 1974. Mrs. Steffens will forever be cherished for her impact on so many children and faculty in the Vineland School System.

Patricia was involved with many charities and organizations throughout her life where she received numerous accolades and awards. She was past president of the Jaycee-Ettes, and an active member of the Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Camden. Many of her memberships included: American Association of University Women, St Augustine College Preparatory School, and a Charter Member of the Buena Vista Country Club. Additionally, she was a life member of the National Education Association (NEA) and the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA).

Patricia’s biggest enjoyment came from her family, children, teaching, reading, decorating, and the New Jersey Seashore, where the family spent many summers vacationing together. The fondest memories she treasured came from family get togethers at the shore.

Patricia is survived by her loving children, Sara Tracy (Pierre) Letellier, and Peter (Lori Raspino) Steffens; grandchildren, Jennifer Letellier (Lars), Zoe Letellier, Renee (Zack) Cohen, Heather Pritchard, Aidan Steffens and Nicholas Raspino; Great grandchildren, Leah Cohen, Luke Cohen, Matthew Pritchard, Liam Pritchard and Jacob Brennan, Saylor Osuna and Nico Osuna; sister, Mary Jane Cramer; and brother, William “Jack” Mulligan Jr. Patricia also leaves behind to cherish her memory a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family.

The family would like to express their deepest and sincerest gratitude to Avanti Senior Living Staff, nurses and care partners, for the excellent care she received while being a resident for the past 4 years. Additionally, the staff at St. Tammany Parish Hospital and Hospice Care for their endearing support and medical care.

Services will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials in Pat's memory may be made to an educational charity of your choice.