Patricia K. Amado, 58

"My time here is limited, like a mermaid out of water," she once said overlooking the Atlantic, "but until then, I'm going to make every breath matter."

Patricia K. Coveleski Amado, of Boynton Beach, passed away Tuesday, Mar. 10, 2020 after a valiant battle with breast cancer, surrounded by her three loving sons and her husband of 19 years. A professor of nursing at the University of Miami, Patti was a lifelong clinician, scholar, and teacher, admired by patients, colleagues, and students alike. Above all, she loved her family, to whom she  leaves behind a legacy imbued with much laughter, love, and learning. Her vivacious spirit and boundless sense of humor so often made her the light of any party—countless celebrations in years to come will be far dimmer in her absence.

Born in Union City, Pa. on St. Patrick's Day, 1961 to the late Alexander and Ruth Coveleski, Patti graduated from Union City High School in 1979, where her classmates long after touted her brash humor and rebellious attitude. Afterwards, she studied at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and in North Carolina, beginning a lifetime in higher education. She later returned to Erie Pa. to attend Villa Maria College (now part of Gannon University) where she met her first husband, Francis "Joe" Altomare of Newcastle, Pa., with whom she had two sons, Francis and Jordan. Through thick and thin, she fiercely championed  her sons and would remain a pillar of strength, inspiration, and virtue to them  throughout her life.

Relocating to Quakertown, Pa., Patti raised her boys there while earning her Bachelors in the Science of Nursing from DeSales University (now Allentown College). After many years as a clinical nurse on cardiac wards in Pennsylvania, Patti moved to South Florida, where she continued practicing the healing arts and advancing her knowledge of medicine. While teaching at Palm Beach State College, she met and wed  her "Spanish prince," Juan A. Amado, with whom she had her youngest son, John "Bug" Amado, an immense source of joy through her final years. A lifelong student, she continued toward a master's in nursing education from Florida Atlantic University, where she also taught as a professor. Whether before audiences academic or otherwise, she remained a crowd favorite in and out of the classroom.

After her initial breast cancer diagnosis, she pursued a doctorate of philosophy in nursing, earning her PhD in 2015 from Barry University with a dissertation entitled "The Lived Experience of Women with Breast Cancer During Surveillance Phase of Recovery: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Inquiry." Her research would form a touchstone of narrative therapy, combining clinical practice with philosophical theory to develop more comprehensive approaches to living with terminal illness. Building upon her scholarship, she would continue to be a passionate advocate for cancer patients and survivors for the rest of her life.

An integral member of the National Nursing League, ISNCC, and other organizations, Patti presented at conferences around the globe, emphasizing  the importance of balancing teaching and research with an active role in a clinical setting, situating her as a pioneer in the emerging nursing sciences. While serving as a professor at the University Miami, Patti worked extensively with homeless programs through the Camillus House downtown, remained active in Catholic outreach, and participated in many events supporting cancer research.

A devout Catholic, she taught catechism for decades, both in Pennsylvania and Florida. Her faith fortified her spirit as she thrived in the face of adversity, but her true strength stemmed from her unique family, her faithful husband, and her three sons, who truly cherished their ma.

Renowned for her culinary skills, Patti enjoyed the ocean, fine cuisine and libation, and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. According to some accounts, her collection of mermaid memorabilia was the finest outside the lost city of Atlantis.

She is preceded in death by her parents, whom she adored. She is survived by her devoted husband, Juan A. Amado of Boynton Beach, and her three beloved sons: Dr. Francis X. Altomare, Jordan T. Altomare, and John "Bug" Amado. She is also survived by her brothers Alex J. Coveleski of Harvey's Lake, Pa., Darryl G. Coveleski of Union City, Pa., and sister Lynelle R. Robuck of Chadds Ford, Pa. In addition, she is survived by many loving cousins, nephews, and nieces.

A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Mar. 17, 2020 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Boynton Beach, followed by a gathering for friends, family, and well-wishers. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure.