Patricia (Shuman) Tavares

November 8, 1940 – September 23, 2026

(Shuman) Tavares, Patricia Ann, peacefully departed from this life at the Steere House Nursing Home in Providence, Rhode Island, on Wednesday, September 23. She was born on November 8, 1940, at Union Hospital, later renamed Charlton Memorial Hospital, in Fall River, Massachusetts, to parents Evelyn and Manuel Tavares, who lived in Fall River. Patricia was seemingly born a social butterfly and eagerly sought connections with friends and potential suitors. She enjoyed her time spent at Durfee High School in Fall River, which marked her role as a cheerleader, solidifying her popularity among her peers.

During an evening of live music in Newport, Patricia met her future husband, John Bailey, a handsome drummer in one of the bands. John was from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and served as a sonarman on a U.S. Navy Destroyer stationed in Newport. Their relationship quickly blossomed, leading to their marriage. Patricia welcomed their son, Cassius, at the Newport Naval Hospital during a raging blizzard. Later, the couple founded a renowned folk music coffee house in Fort Lauderdale called The House of Pegasus, which became a venue for notable artists like Dave Crosby, The Mamas and the Papas, Phil Ochs, and comedian George Carlin. Patricia served as a charming and beautiful host at the club, greeting patrons as they entered, the role perfectly blending her passion for the arts with her love for being immersed in a vibrant social environment amidst the festive 1960s.

After her divorce, Patricia married Richard Allen Shuman, the successful owner of a textile company that manufactured ladies' dresses in Fall River. They moved to Dartmouth, Massachusetts, where they enjoyed living beside the Allendale Country Club Golf Course for many years. This marriage brought her the responsibility of being a stepmother to Andrew, Peter and David. Patricia was a devoted mother, providing unwavering love and support to her family during both challenging and joyful times. Her absence will be profoundly felt by her loved ones.

Patricia is predeceased by her parents, Evelyn and Manuel Tavares, and Richard Shuman. She is survived by a brother, David Allen Tavares, and sons, Andrew, Cassius (Michelle), grandson, Trey Cassius Gosselin, Peter (Jane), grandchildren, Ashleigh, Kyle and Aaron, and David (Patti). Relatives and friends will be received on Friday, October 2 at 10 a.m. at the Pocasset Memorial Funeral Home.

Celebration of Life Ceremony:

POCASSET MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME

462 Main Road, Tiverton, Rhode Island

(401) 625-5945

Friday, October 2 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Visitation is from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the funeral home

A graveside ceremony at the Pocasset Hill Cemetery is at 11 a.m.

In place of floral tributes, kindly consider making a donation in memory of Patricia Shuman to the Potter League for Animals.