Patricia Marie Ciliberto

With our hearts forever changed, we announce that our beloved mother, Patricia Marie Ciliberto (nèe Branson), age 76 of Rock Hall, Maryland and formerly of Ridley Township, Pa. was called home to heaven on July 2, 2026. Born on June 2, 1950 in Chester, Pa., Patricia was the daughter of the late William and Dorothy Branson, cherished wife of the late Francis J. Ciliberto, treasured mother, mom-mom, aunt, sister, and friend whose fierce love, remarkable strength, and resilience carried her through every season of life and poured into her family which was her life’s greatest blessing. As the oldest child of 4, Patricia always felt a deep connection and loyalty to her siblings. Some of her favorite childhood memories were spent in Rock Hall with her parents and brothers and sister where her love for the quiet and peacefulness of the Chesapeake Bay would continue to be a treasure to her throughout the rest of her life. Patricia was a 1968 graduate of Notre Dame Catholic Girls High School and a 1970 graduate of the Crozer Foundation College of Nursing. Though she had other careers in addition to nursing, caring for people was always a part of her nature. She possessed a remarkable gift for coming to people’s rescue and comforting those in need of care and refuge. More than anything, Patricia loved her family with every part of her being. As the loving wife to Fran for 52 years, the two of them were inseparable and loved watching sunsets, thunderstorms in the dark, and being with family and friends. As a mother, her strength was matched only by her love and compassion. Her greatest purpose was found in the extraordinary way she loved, nurtured, and protected the people for whom she deeply cared. She always knew exactly what was needed whether it was a cup of tea with milk, a home remedy, or a soft touch. To her grandchildren, she was the always loving, always silly mom-mom who put great love into the details of time spent with them like doting on her granddaughters and brushing their hair, letting them eat cookies for breakfast, and counting the cars with her grandson as they sat outside for hours together. Pre-deceased by her sister and best friend, Mary “Sissy” Michulka (nèe Branson), Patricia naturally stepped into her role of matriarch- offering the same love, strength, and unwavering support to her niece and nephew as she did her own children. Patricia was the kind of woman whom people instinctively turned to and had a gift for seeing the potential in others, especially children. She believed that every child deserved to feel protected, deeply loved, and capable of overcoming life’s challenges. As a result, she became a mother figure to many whom she loved and celebrated and who naturally became a part of the family she loved so much. Patricia was also strong in her faith and found signs of its presence in unexpected moments and her beloved porcelain angel collection. Patricia is survived by her children: Danielle Bartholf (Patrick) and Dana Baker (Jason); her grandchildren: Caiden Bartholf (Lacie), Delaney and Elise Baker; several nieces and nephews: Noel Andrews (Mark), David Michulka (Shannon), Kelly Branson (Alex), and Mark Branson Jr. (Lamar); a brother, Mark Branson Sr.; and loving Nan-Nan to David, Casey, Zach, Kiley, Ryan, Madison, David, Mollie, Finn, and Everleigh; and so many life-long friends whom she loved greatly. Patricia is predeceased by her sister Mary “Sissy” Michulka and brother William Branson Jr. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday July 12, 2026, from 1- 4pm at the Lazaretto Ballroom in Essington, Pa. for both Patricia and Francis to honor their love, lives, and legacy.

Patricia Marie Ciliberto

June 2, 1950 - July 2, 2026