Patricia A. Mikeska

Patricia Ann Mikeska passed away on December 9, 2024, in Hockessin, DE. She was 93 years old and a beloved resident of Cokesbury Village. She is survived by her sons Kurt and Jeffrey, daughter Gretchen, daughter-in-law Erica, cherished grandchildren Iris and Mason, brother Joseph Donches, and sister-in-law Audrey.

Patrica was born at home in Bethlehem, PA, in March of 1931, to Rose Cavanaugh Donches and Francis Charles Donches, the eldest of four children. Her siblings were Thomas (deceased), Diane (deceased) and Joseph. Her early life was marked by hardship after her mother’s death in 1945, which led to the family being separated. Patricia and Thomas were raised by Rose’s sister Mary O’Connell and her husband Thomas J. O’Connell. Diane was adopted by the Free family, while Joseph remained with his father.

After graduating from Bethlehem Catholic High School, she entered Easton Hospital School of Nursing (Easton, PA), and earned her RN degree in 1951.  While attending the all-women’s nursing school, she met the love of her life and future husband, Donald L. Mikeska (deceased April 2021), at Lafayette College’s 1949 St. Valentine’s Day dance when Lafayette was an all-male college. They married in 1952 and, after a short honeymoon, traveled to Fort Rucker, Alabama, where Don, serving in the US Army, underwent officer training before deploying to the Korean War.

Following Don’s return from Korea, Patricia and Don began their married life in Staten Island, NY. Patricia worked as a registered nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital, while Don commuted by Staten Island Ferry to Manhattan for his finance job at General Motors Acceptance Corporation. In 1959, they moved from Staten Island to Edison, NJ, and two years later to Metuchen, NJ, where they raised their three children and lived for fifty-seven years. During this time, Patricia earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey) and was a school nurse in the Metuchen Public School System, eventually becoming Head Nurse of the school system until her retirement in 1991. In 2018, Patricia and Don relocated to Cokesbury Village in Hockessin, DE, to be closer to their son Kurt.

In 1991, Patricia and Don purchased a beach home at Higgins Beach in Scarborough, ME. They traveled to Higgins Beach in early June and stayed until the end of October. Their summers were filled with beachcombing, social events hosted by the Higgins Beach community, and exploring Downeast Maine with friends. Their beach home became a treasured gathering place for family and friends, creating countless joyful memories.

Patricia and Don deeply valued their time at Cokesbury Village, where they attended many wonderful events hosted by the Cokesbury community. Always social and compassionate, Patricia formed many friends at Cokesbury among both residents and staff. Patricia’s warmth, kindness, and vibrant social nature left a lasting impact on everyone she met. The Mikeska family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the Cokesbury community for their exceptional care and companionship throughout Patricia’s years there.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cokesbury/Acts Legacy Foundation (ActsLegacyFoundation.org). Please consider contributing to the J. Mark Vanderbeck Memorial Scholarship Fund, which supports the educational and career development of Cokesbury Village employees.