Patricia Breslin was a well-known actress and philanthropist who had a prominent career in television and film. She was also the wife of NFL mogul Art Modell, who owned the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Ravens. She passed away on October 12, 2011, at the age of 86, following a lengthy battle with pancreatitis. In this article, we will explore her life, career, and cause of death in more detail.
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Early Life and Education
Patricia Breslin was born on March 17, 1925, in New York City, as one of three children of Edward and Marjorie Breslin. Her father was a judge of Irish descent and her mother was of Scottish descent. She grew up in the Parkchester neighborhood of the Bronx and attended the Academy of Mount St. Ursula High School. She then graduated from the College of New Rochelle in New Rochelle, New York.
Acting Career
Breslin started her acting career in 1949, appearing in various theater productions and television shows. She co-starred with Jackie Cooper as his girlfriend and then wife in the NBC sitcom The People’s Choice from 1955 to 1958. She also had recurring roles as Amanda Miller on The People’s Choice and as Laura Harrington Brooks on Peyton Place. She guest-starred on many popular shows, such as Justice, Perry Mason, The Twilight Zone, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and Bonanza. She also appeared in several films, such as Go, Man, Go!, Homicidal, I Saw What You Did, and The Gallant Hours.
Marriage and Philanthropy
In 1969, Breslin married Art Modell, who was the owner of the Cleveland Browns at the time. They moved to Baltimore in 1996, when Modell relocated his team and renamed it the Baltimore Ravens. Breslin became a well-known philanthropist in both cities, donating millions of dollars to various educational, health, and art organizations. She also helped open the Hospice of the Western Reserve at the Cleveland Clinic and supported the SEED Foundation of Maryland and the Baltimore Museum of Art. She was honored with several awards for her charitable work, such as the Outstanding Philanthropist Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Cause of Death
Breslin suffered from pancreatitis, a condition that causes inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic, and can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and weight loss. Pancreatitis can also lead to complications such as infections, bleeding, diabetes, kidney failure, and pancreatic cancer. According to Wikipedia, Breslin died from pancreatitis on October 12, 2011, at her home in Baltimore. She was survived by her husband Art Modell, who died a year later; her two sons David Orrick McDearmon Jr. and David Modell; her stepson John Modell; and six grandchildren.
Legacy
Patricia Breslin was a talented actress who entertained millions of viewers with her performances. She was also a generous philanthropist who made a positive impact on many lives with her donations. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who lived a full and meaningful life.
