Patricia Taafe Shuman

Patricia Taafe Shuman, a proud Liverpudlian and equally proud naturalized United States citizen, passed away Thursday, November 7, 2019 at the Regal Heights Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Hockessin, Delaware.

Born in a Bootle Hospital in Liverpool, England on July 27, 1936, Patricia was one of nine children of the late Joseph and Ann (Black) Taafe. The Taafe family survived the Liverpool blitz assault during the Second World War by the German Luftwaffe, an experience that would forever shape her passions and drive to explore and experience the world outside of Liverpool. An apt pupil, she graduated from Seafield Catholic School and became a teacher after graduation from C.F. Mott Teachers Training College. Of the schools at which she taught; she was proudest of her time at the Ursuline Convent School in Liverpool. She married her first love, Dr. Vincent McCann, in 1958 and they immigrated to the United States along with their two sons, Justin and Jason, in the1960’s. Their third son, Thane, was born in 1975. Vincent and Patricia would divorce, but their friendship would continue for the remainder of her life.

In 1981, Patricia fell in love and married Dr. Conrad C. Shuman. Over the course of the following 37 years, their adventures included life on a sprawling farm in Delaware, owning and operating several small businesses and real estate ventures. Together they danced and traveled the world, sharing experiences that belied their humble beginnings. Sadly, their adventures gradually came to an end, as Patricia began suffering from progressive dementia and became increasingly disabled. Conrad cared for Patricia until her medical needs necessitated that she be moved into a nursing home for specialized care. Patricia was preceded in death by Conrad, who passed away unexpectedly on January 16, 2018 at their home. The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of Eastburn Unit at Regal Heights Healthcare, who provided excellent loving care to Patricia during her last two years.

Patricia is survived by her three sons: Justin, Jason and Thane (Erica); five stepdaughters: Laurene Eckbold (Roy), LaVerne Shuman, LaDawn Goodwin (Dan), Darlene Jordan (Sam) and Deanna Henderson (Terry), eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Of her siblings, she is survived by her brother, William Taafe, and sister, Bernadette Morrow (Ted) of Liverpool, England and Anne McMenamy (Wayne) of Adelaide, Australia.

Donations in Patricia’s memory can be sent to the Well Coffeehouse (thewellde.com) to support local and global missions or the Future Farmers of America (ffa.org).