Patricia J. Philbrick

WASHBURN – Patricia J. Philbrick, 78, went home to Jesus on Saturday, May 6, 2023, with family around her, holding her hands. She was born in Caribou, October 30, 1944 the daughter of Frank and Eva (Willette) Cyr. 

She attended school in Caribou at the convent and told stories throughout her life about the experiences there. Most of the Cyr side of the family called her Patsy, others called her Pat, but her husband of 56 years, Robert Philbrick, always called her Patricia.

While raising her children, she worked at various places, includingthe Converse Shoe Factory, McCains, on farms picking potatoes, housekeeping, but by far her favorite occupation was being a cook and baker. She had a talent for it like no other. She passed that talent on to her children which resulted in contests at holiday get togethers to see who could make the best pie crust, angel food cake or Whoopie pies.

In addition to baking, Pat loved to sew and knit. She loved camping and the beauty of the outdoors. She and Robert would ride for hours in the North Maine Woods, watching for moose, deer, rabbits and the occasional black bear. She went bird hunting and managed to get picked for the moose lottery twice.

When she had to be away from home for an extended time due to illness, what she missed the most was her flowers. She absolutely loved her flowers. She tended to them like they were her children and they brought her so much joy.

She was quirky, silly, funny and fun. She faced her medical difficulties with hope and prayer, never giving up on her dreams, desires and wants. Jesus had a different plan. It seems there was an opening in heaven for a little French spitfire cook and she couldn’t say no. She will be missed by many.

Pat was predeceased by her husband, Robert in 2020; her daughter, Shelly Hewitt, in 2018, and her grandson, Kyle Hewitt in 2015. She was also predeceased by her brother Arthur, sisters Joan and Elaine, and infant brother Patrick.

She is survived by two children, Sue Pettegrow and husband Stan of Orrington, and Dean Philbrick of New Hampshire; a brother, Gerald Cyr and wife Doreen of Presque Isle, and a sister, Shirley Anderson of Brunswick. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Katelyn Hewitt , Jillian Philbrick, Jacob Philbrick, Nicholas Pettegrow, Patrick Pettegrow and Dakota Pettegrow, several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephew.

A special thanks to Jeannette Pelkey, Debbie Plummer, and Danny. 

Patricia and Robert will be interred together on Friday, June 16, 2023 at 10AM in the Woodland Cemetery.