Patricia Joy Lincoln

With deep sadness and profound love, we announce the passing of Patricia Joy Lincoln, who departed this life on September 22, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, curiosity, and inner strength.

Born on March 25, 1946, Patricia, known as Patti to those who knew her well, lived a life marked by kindness, bold strength, and unwavering devotion. She brought warmth and grace to every room she entered and was a constant source of love and encouragement. Whether offering a listening ear, a helping hand, or a heartfelt laugh, she made others feel seen, heard, and valued. Her presence was a gift—steady, sincere, and full of wisdom.

Patti’s career was not just a job, but a calling. She was respected for her professionalism, integrity, and a tireless dedication to improving the well-being of others. Armed with a Master of Public & Health Care Administration, she shaped the delivery of care to countless patients at companies such as Genesis Health Care Corporation, Kindred Health Care Corporation, and Apple Health Care Inc. She also served as an Appointed Receiver/Health Care Consultant for the State of Connecticut, Office of the Attorney General, where she provided oversight in fraud and abuse cases. Passionate about sharing her knowledge, she was an Adjunct Professor at the University of New Haven, published several works, received many awards, and volunteered her time to improve the lives of others.

Outside of her professional life, Patti embraced the world with open arms. A true water spirit, she loved sailing, guided by the wind and drawn to the sea. Her love of travel took her across the globe, including a recent bucket-list trip to Alaska—a journey that reflected her adventurous spirit and her desire to share the beauty of the world with her daughter and grandchildren.

What mattered most to Patricia was people. She maintained lifelong friendships with many of her childhood companions, nurturing bonds that spanned decades. Her warmth, humor, and generosity left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Mary Ashley Lincoln Cohagan (Kyle), and her two cherished grandchildren, Brady and Connor Cohagan. She is also survived by her niece Christine Rispoli Crotta (Chris); niece in-law Gloria Rispoli, great-nephews Nicholas Crotta, Jason Rispoli (Laurie), Thomas F. Rispoli III (Jillian), and Richard Rispoli; great-nieces Isabelle Crotta and Jennifer Rispoli Bishop (Robert); great-great-nieces Emilee Bishop, Brylee Bishop, and Gabriella Rispoli, and several generations of cousins who will all carry forward her legacy of love.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Bombace Rispoli and Frank Rispoli Sr.; her brothers, Thomas F. Rispoli and Frank Rispoli Jr.; and her nephews, Thomas F. Rispoli Jr. and Frank J. Rispoli.

A celebration of her life will be held on October 10, 2025, at Swan Funeral Home, 825 Boston Post Road, Madison, Connecticut, where friends and family will gather to honor her memory, share stories, and find comfort in one another.

Though Patricia’s journey on earth has ended, her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the places she loved, and the example she set. She will be missed more than words can express.