Obituary of Patricia A. Hebert

Patricia “Patti” Hebert, age 81, of Morristown, NJ, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 27, 2025, in Livingston, NJ, surrounded by her loving daughters.

A Funeral Mass will be offered at 10:00 AM on Thursday, December 4th at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 217 Prospect Street, South Orange, NJ. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover, NJ.

Patti was born on March 8, 1944, in Newark, New Jersey. She spent most of her life in South Orange before settling in Morristown, NJ. A devoted and skilled Legal Secretary, Patti dedicated many years to supporting numerous law firms, most recently with the Picillo Caruso Law Firm in Nutley. After 40 years of service, she retired to spend her time caring for the people she cherished most her grandchildren. They were her greatest joy.

Patti welcomed everyone into her home on Rynda Road. Her kitchen was a haven where Sunday gravy bubbled on the stove, chicken cutlets were never in short supply, and there was always room at the table for one more. She was an avid knitter who created scarves, hats, and shawls with love, giving them freely to anyone in need. Known for her warmth, she greeted friends and family with hugs so tight they lingered long after. Patti embraced every day with gratitude, often saying, “Every day is a good day because I woke up.”

Patti’s life was marked by extraordinary strength, compassion, and resilience. She faced profound heartbreak, including the loss of her son Richard when he was just eight years old, yet continued to live with grace, positivity, and unwavering love.

She was predeceased by her beloved son, Richard Hebert; her parents, Dominick and Rose Colavita; her brother, Theodore Colavita; her children’s father: Richard T. Hebert and cousins Nicholas and Patti Funicelli.

Patti is survived by her daughters, Jeanine Hebert and Danielle Durkin, and by her son-in-law, Chris Durkin. She leaves behind her adored grandchildren; Mackenzie, Christopher, and Ava Rose who were the light of her life. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Kathy Saccardi, nieces and nephew; Lisa Funsch (predeceased by David), Lori Trovato (Rich), Lynn Struss (Jon), Leslie Cherry (Craig) and by David Colavita (Renee), along with 12 great-nieces and great-nephews and 1 great-great nephew.

Patti was blessed with a circle of loved ones who brought joy to every chapter of her life. Her godchildren; Elena DePhillips, Charles Gioino, Ann Piacesi, and Lynn Struss, all held a special place in her heart. She also cherished the unwavering and lifelong friendships of Phyllis DePhillips and Dot Ganek, whom she loved like sisters. Together with their families, their children, and their grandchildren, they formed an extended family that meant the world to her.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Patti’s memory to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (mda.org) would be greatly appreciated.