Patricia (Buchinsky) McIlvaine

Pownal - Patricia Buchinsky McIlvaine passed away peacefully on July 29, 2024 at Maine Medical Center after a brief battle with ovarian cancer.  Patricia was born in Newark, NJ and raised in Harrison, NJ.  She graduated from Harrison High School and then from Kean College with a degree in biology.  Patricia had a long and distinguished career in the environmental field.  Patricia started her career as a biologist with Dames & Moore Environmental Consulting firm.  While doing an environmental study for a utility company she met her future husband, Howard McIlvaine.  In 1983 she moved to Forked River, NJ and spent weekends sailing with Howard and many friends.  Patricia and Howard were married in 1994.  It was during this time that she began her career with Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) in the Environmental Department.  After retiring from JCP&L they moved to Pownal, ME and she became the East Coast Regional Environmental Director for Florida Power & Light (FPL).  She later became the Senior Project Manager and Dam Safety Specialist for Wright Pierce.  In Patricia’s retirement years she was a certification reviewer for the Low Impact Hydropower Institute (LIHI). 

Patricia is predeceased by her parents Vincent & Veronica Alseika Buchinsky, her husband Howard McIlvaine, and her brother Vincent Buchinsky.

She is survived by her loving niece Brettlyn Roberts (John), her nephew Kyle Buchinsky, her great nephew and niece Bram & Rosalie Roberts, her step-sons Howard McIlvaine IV (Nancy) and David McIlvaine (Sunny) and her Australian cousins Judith, Barbara and Audrey.

Patricia’s love of adventure also earned her many dear friends that will miss her sorely.  Pat was known as the planner of good times.  Camping, skiing, sailing, and hiking were all past times she shared with friends and family.  And of course, her love of animals will never be forgotten.  Her kindness towards all living beings will forever be felt by the lives she touched. 

A Celebration of Life will be held in the near future. 
To honor Patricia’s life, in lieu of flowers, call a friend, take a hike, and enjoy this beautiful planet that we get to call home for such a short time. 

To share your thoughts and condolences with the family, please visit www.desmondfuneralhomes.com

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