Patricia “Pat” M. Mulready, MS, PhD ABD, passed away suddenly on October 9, 2024, at the age of 74. Born in Derby, Connecticut, Pat graduated from Shelton High School in 1968. She was the daughter of William A. Mulready (1983) and Anita R. Woodruff Mulready (1978), both of Shelton, CT.
A lifelong scholar, educator, and writer, Pat earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Connecticut, her Master of Science from the University of Maryland, and pursued her PhD at New York University’s New School, achieving ABD status. Her fields of study were Sociology of Culture, Textiles and Consumer Economics, Socio-Psychological Aspects of Dress, Fashion Retailing, and Sociology.
Her academic journey and passion for education led her to hold teaching and research positions at several prestigious institutions, including the University of Delaware, New York University, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and Morgan State University. Leading her to produce and host weekly interviews on radio, give numerous Lecturers and Presentations, and write many published articles and papers including for Glamour Magazine.
Her expertise lay in the study of clothing and textiles, with a focus on fashion history. Pat was especially known for her groundbreaking work in understanding how fashion and beauty practices contribute to the well-being of cancer survivors. This pioneering research led to the creation of the “Look Good, Feel Better” program concept, which continues to impact lives today.
Pat’s love for animals was profound, as she provided a loving home adopting many rescued furry pets over the past four decades. Her current beloved pup, Riley, along with her cherished cats, Siri and Serafina, will deeply miss her companionship. Her furry pets throughout the years truly were her kids.
Beyond academia, Pat was a passionate advocate for her community. She dedicated herself to historic preservation, land use, and tree canopy protection efforts, as well as supporting the local election process in various roles over the years including Election Judge. She was an advocate for Women’s Rights, International affairs relating to women serving on several committees to the United Nations Non-Governmental Organizations (UNNGO), amongst many more. Pat was proud of her success in changing Workmans Compensation laws on a Supreme Court Level.
Pat is survived by her three brothers, William Mulready of Connecticut, Robert Mulready of Florida, Thomas Mulready of Connecticut; sisters-in-law Cynthia Mulready (2016), Kathleen Noble, Carol Mulready, her nieces and nephews; Bridget (Jorge) Mulready-Lopez of Florida, Serena (Brendan) Mulready-Lillie of Massachuset, Nicole (Adam) Mulready-Nacov of Massachuset, Shannon Seymour-Barbarisi of Connecticut; her nephews, Robert Mulready Jr of Connecticut, Britt Mulready of Connecticut, Keegan Mulready of Connecticut, Ryan Mulready of Connecticut, Christian (Laura) Seymour of Virginia; numerous cousins, and dearest and oldest friends; Kevin Elliott of New York, & Kaye Crippen of California.
Pat’s family and loved ones will forever remember her dedication to academics, advisor to colleagues, mentoring students, family and friends, her deep compassion for animals, her commitment and advocacy to causes she cared about, her spiritual practices and much love she had for the Blessed Mother, and her historical faith in her Irish heritage. Her legacy is dear to us all and we honor her footprint in this world as her memory will forever continue in our hearts.
Friends may call on Friday, October 25, 2024 from 5 ‑7 pm at Riverview Funeral Home 390 River Rd Shelton, CT. Funeral service will be held at Riverview Funeral Home at 10am on Saturday October 26, 2024 with interment to follow at Mt. St. Peter Cemetery 219 New Haven Ave Derby, CT.
Friends may leave condolences at www.riverviewfh.com.
