Patricia H. Herstine

Patricia Helen Herstine (née Weiler), of Buckingham, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. Born on March 27, 1938 in Philadelphia, Pa., she was the dearly loved daughter of the late Charles John Weiler and Helen Smith Weiler, and the beloved wife of the late Stanley E. Herstine. She was a graduate of St. Hubert High School, Class of 1955.

Patricia treasured her years growing up with her wonderful parents, who gave her a very happy childhood. They also gave her a little sister, the late Helen “Honey” Graham, whom she adored and who adored her.

In 1961, Patricia married Stanley E. Herstine, of Erwinna, Pa. The city girl married the country boy, and they lived happily ever after. During their 55 years of marriage, they shared a love of entertaining, which they did quite often. Their New Year’s Eve parties were their favorite, with some even featuring live music and dancing. They also especially enjoyed their many trips together through Europe, Canada, and the United States. 

Patricia loved being a mother and grandmother, and was immensely proud of her five children and five grandchildren. They always filled her heart with joy, and not a day went by that she did not thank God for having them in her life. She enjoyed life to the fullest, but always said that her family gave her the greatest pleasure. Patricia also cherished her many friends, some of whom she had for over 70 years. She was always known to be very caring and thoughtful. If she knew your birthday, you could expect to receive a birthday card from her forever.

Patricia had a diverse professional life that was often entrepreneurial, and always focused on connecting with people. In 1980, she co-founded The Modelique Studio of Modeling and Charm and The Modelique Agency with her dear friend Gloria Corrigan. Patricia and Gloria loved working with teenagers and young adults and seeing their confidence grow. Their hearts were always bursting with pride at each graduation ceremony.

In addition to The Modelique, Patricia also established The Center for Professional Image Development. During the 1990s, she developed programs for Merck Sharpe & Dohme that were used nationally by their Sales division. She also presented seminars on professionalism in the workplace to many other international corporations and provided one-on-one coaching to their executives.

Eventually, Patricia transitioned to a career in real estate, specializing in relocation consulting. As the primary destination services provider for Bristol Myers Squibb, she helped their international executives relocate from other countries to the Greater Princeton area. She was always eager to go the extra mile for her clients, building personal connections to help them and their families feel at home in their new surroundings.

Patricia believed strongly in giving back to the community. She served on the boards of many local organizations she was passionate about, including the Village Improvement Association of Doylestown, the Network of Victim Assistance, the Central Bucks YMCA, and the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce – of which she was also a member for 40 years. In 1994, she was the recipient of the Chamber’s Patricia Clatch Outstanding Woman in Business Award. 

In February 2019, at the age of 80, Patricia had a life-changing experience. DNA testing led to her being located by the family of her biological parents. She discovered that she had five siblings in Kansas. Although her parents and two brothers were deceased, she was able to meet her remaining siblings that summer in Pennsylvania. That November, Patricia and several of her children made their first trip to Kansas to meet her siblings’ extended families. They were treated with profound warmth and kindness by multiple generations. Getting to know her previously long-lost siblings and their families since then brought even more joy to Patricia’s happy life. 

Patricia was strong in her faith. As a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel for 38 years, she served as a Lector for over 20 years, in addition to working on many church committees. She adapted immediately to her new parish, Our Lady of Guadalupe, where she continued as a Lector. She put her heart and soul into the formation of the new parish by serving on countless committees, in particular the building committee. 

Patricia is survived by her children Michael, Chas (Isabelle), Tricia Austin (Fred), Helene, Christopher, her former daughter-in-law Christina Wille-Herstine, her five granddaughters, Brittany (Tricia), Kelly and Emily (Chas), Jeanne and Anna (Michael), and her many nieces and nephews, especially Douglas and Alexandra Graham. She is also survived by her Kansas family – sisters Kathleen Anderson and Janyce Nuckolls (Randy), and brother Murray Anderson (Carolyn). She was predeceased by her husband Stanley E. Herstine, her sister Helen Graham (Arnold), and her Kansas brothers William (Marcia) and Lynn (Rosemary). 

Relatives and friends are invited to call from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 9, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 5194 Cold Spring Creamery Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, where her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m.  Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.