Patricia Gail Lavacca's Obituary
Patricia Gail Adams was born on November 4, 1942, in the Bronx and lived a life full of love, and generosity. Patricia was blessed to live 82 years before departing us on November 13, 2024. She was the eldest daughter of Daniel and Gail Adams, a loving sister to her four siblings, a devoted mother to her son, and a grandmother who selflessly went above and beyond for her three grandchildren.
While she spent most of her life in Tampa, Florida she was proud of her New York roots and never lost her accent. As a child, she lived in lower Manhattan for a time and eventually moved to Queens. She attended St. Alphonsus High School and later graduated from secretarial school where she learned skills she would use throughout her professional career. Patricia met and married Lorenzo (Lawrence) Lavacca in her early twenties on November 26, 1966. While her time with Lorenzo was tragically cut short, she loved to share fond memories of her late husband and his passion for writing and chess. She never remarried - as she would always proclaim that no one else could compare. Their bond was inseparable and love was unconditional.
Patricia moved with her son to Tampa, Florida, and raised him while navigating sickness and being a single mother in a new city. She dedicated many years to Hillsborough County, where she worked as a secretary for various agencies. While she was diligent in everything she did, Patricia would say her proudest achievement was being a mother and a grandmother. She dedicated her life to family and spent much of her time attending volleyball games, regattas, and baseball tournaments. Patricia loved to be involved in the lives of her family, volunteering when she could, no matter how small the task.
Patricia was an avid reader, a devout Catholic, and a talented gardener. While her life was challenging at times, she never complained. Patricia was headstrong in her belief that God had a plan for her which she happily followed. Patricia left a legacy of loving kindness and touched the hearts of many with her unwavering generosity.
Patricia is survived by her son, Lawrence Lavacca; her four siblings, Brother Daniel Adams, Donna Drago, Gail Scire, and Joseph Adams; brother-in-laws Anthony Scire Sr., and Thomas Drago; and sister-in-law Jean Adams; former daughter-in-law Samantha Lavacca; her three grandchildren Katherine Lavacca, Caralin Lavacca, and Lawrence Lavacca Jr.; nieces, Donna Boucher, Caitlin Adams, Meaghan Adams, Danielle Scire, Rebekka Drago, and Erin Drago; nephews, Honorable Judge Anthony Scire Jr., Matthew Drago, Thomas Drago, and John Paul (JP) Boucher; a host of cousins, other relatives, church family, and cherished friends.
She is deeply loved and will be missed. Her family knows that she is now happily reunited with her husband in Heaven.
A funeral will be held on November 22, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church.
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