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Who was Patricia Vandross?
Patricia Vandross was the mother of Luther Vandross, one of the most successful and influential soul and R&B singers of all time. She was also a nurse and a devout Christian who raised her four children in New York City
She was married to Luther Vandross Sr., an upholsterer and singer, who died of diabetes when Luther was eight years old1 She then had to support her family as a single mother, working long hours and sometimes taking two jobs
She was very close to her children and encouraged their musical talents. She often sang with them at home and in church, and bought them records and instruments. She was especially proud of Luther, who became a superstar with his smooth voice and romantic songs
How did she lose her children?
Patricia Vandross had to endure the unimaginable pain of losing all of her four children before her own death. Her eldest son, Charles, died of pneumonia in 1987. Her daughter, Patricia, died of colon cancer in 1993. Her youngest son, Anthony, died of complications from diabetes in 1996
Her last surviving child, Luther, suffered a massive stroke in 2003 that left him in a coma for two months. He never fully recovered and died of a heart attack in 2005, at the age of 54
Patricia Vandross was devastated by Luther’s death, as she had a premonition that he was drifting away. She said that the last time she saw him, he refused to promise her that he would get well. She also said that she heard “death bells” the day before he died
How did she cope with her grief?
Patricia Vandross relied on her faith and her family to cope with her grief. She said that she believed that God had a plan for her and her children, and that they were all in heaven. She also said that she felt their presence and heard their voices in her dreams
She also found comfort in Luther’s music, which she listened to every day. She said that his songs were like messages from him, and that they helped her to remember the good times they had together. She also attended his tribute concerts and met his fans, who expressed their love and admiration for him
She also had the support of her sister, Helen, who lived with her in Philadelphia. She also had many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who visited her and cared for her. She said that she was grateful for their company and kindness
When and how did she die?
Patricia Vandross died on May 8, 2008, at the age of 82. She had been suffering from diabetes and heart problems for several years. She passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family
She was buried next to Luther at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus, New Jersey. Her funeral was attended by hundreds of people, including many celebrities and musicians who knew and worked with Luther. They paid tribute to her as a loving mother and a strong woman who endured many hardships
She was also remembered as a generous and compassionate person who helped many people in need. She donated money and clothes to charities, and sponsored children in Africa. She also established the Luther Vandross Foundation, which supports diabetes research and education
Conclusion
Patricia Vandross was the mother of a soul legend, but she was also a legend in her own right. She raised her children with love and faith, and inspired them to pursue their dreams. She faced many tragedies in her life, but she never gave up hope. She left behind a legacy of courage and grace that will always be cherished by her family, friends, and fans
