Patricia Lynn Mulligan

Patricia Lynn Mulligan (Pat) went to be with our Lord on August 17, 2017.  She was surrounded by a gathering of family and friends.

Pat was born in Fort Devens, MA, and as a "military brat,” Pat lived all over. She discovered her love for horses while in Okinawa (1966-1968).  From then on, her dream was always to own her own horses and a stable. She went to Thomas Edison High School in Alexandria, VA and Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, VA. She had a 20-year career with the Federal Government, as a computer systems analyst.

Pat fulfilled her lifelong dream when she and Jack retired and moved to North Carolina in 1993, building a barn with lots of land, allowing her to have many horses. Throughout her life, Pat enjoyed riding and caring for: Bucky, Peaches, Buddy, Tess, and her most beloved, Miss-Ty, who she raised from birth. Pat also operated Mulligan’s Way Farm, and tended to the care of many other horses throughout the 20 years she lived in North Carolina.  She was more than a caregiver; she treated every horse with the same love as her own. She truly loved the "barn life".

She put a ton of energy into the EDCTSA horse club, which provides small Scholarships for young riders.  It was founded to bring quality dressage and combined training to eastern NC.  She brought in several high level riders for weekend clinics at Mulligans Way and other locations.

Without a doubt, Pat was a lover of life. Everything she did throughout her 61 years, she did it with a zest for life, fun, and with a constant smile on her face. Every Monday, she had a standing appointment with her dad, meeting for breakfast and maybe even a little shopping.  She also enjoyed spending family fun times on holidays and other special days, playing games, cards, or just enjoying family time together on special Myrtle Beach weekends.

Pat loved her church and her church family. She belonged to Cape Carteret Baptist Church for many years and was dedicated and involved in various group Bible studies and special projects. She was frequently the organizer of their Life Group social activities.

Pat entertained a widely diverse group of friends.  She loved her pool and the beach, and any other place that she could think of to get a group of friends and family together.

She spent Saturday mornings with her “barn girls,” attended weekend horse camps, and hosted many horse clinics at Mulligan's Way.

Another favorite group was her “ Wednesday night friends,” with whom she shared good times and memories for more than 20 years.

Pat had lifelong “Virginia friends.”  She shared special friendships for more than 45 years with Karla and Rich Reed, who followed her to North Carolina 15 years ago;

Debbie and Donnie Walker; and Kathy and Harvey Massie. She always commented that although she didn’t see them often, she knew that when she needed them, her

"Virginia friends" would be there for her (and yes, they were!)

Pat is survived by her beloved husband, Jack, who she married on September 24, 1983; father, Gus Gustafson, who she lovingly called "Poppisan;" sister and brother-in-law, Ann

and Mike Donnelly; brother and sister-in-law, Jimmy and Karen Gustafson; 2 step-children, Amy Simpson (Bobby) and Patrick Mulligan; 3 grandchildren, Devin, Bryant, and Tucker;

her God-daughter, Jillian Reed; and countless other friends and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Vicky, in 2010.

Pat’s kindness, genuineness, and sense of humor will continue to live far beyond her passing, enriching all who had the great fortune to know her.  Her memory will live on

in our hearts forever.

In lieu of flowers, Pat’s wish would be that a donation be made to one of the following:

• Cape Carteret Baptist Church, 101 Anita Forte Dr, Cape Carteret NC 28584
• Eastern Dressage and Combined Training Schooling Association (EDCTSA), in memory of Pat Mulligan.  c/o Rhonda Scibel, 1200 Evans St., Morehead City, NC 28584
• SECU Crystal Coast Hospice House, 100 Big Rock Weigh, Newport, NC 29570

Visitation will be Friday, August 25th 2017 at 3:00 pm at Cape Carteret Baptist Church. Followed by a memorial service at 4:00 pm.

A celebration of Pat's life will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, August 26th at Mulligan's Way outside, under a tent near the barn.  Dress is casual.

Online condolences may be made at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements are by Munden Funeral Home and Crematory, Morehead City, NC.