
TAUNTON — Even in her terrifying final moments, Patricia Slavin was guided by the faith and love that had defined her life. The 80-year-old was stabbed to death in her home Tuesday at the beginning of a deadly rampage by Arthur J. DaRosa, who was later killed by police.
But her children said on Saturday that they believed their “remarkable’’ mother bore no hatred toward her attacker.
“I know, 100 percent, that as tragic as this was, that gentleman was forgiven instantly by my mother,’’ said Daniel Slavin, standing with three of his siblings in front of Holy Family Parish. Patricia Slavin worshipped every morning at the church.
Slavin’s daughter, 58-year-old Kathleen Slavin, was wounded during the attack, and was released from the hospital on Friday.
“She’s a strong, amazing woman,’’ said FredrickSlavin of his sister, who did not come to the church Saturday. “I think the millions of prayers, the thank yous, the social media — everything that has been given to our family, is helping her. It’s going to take a long time for her to heal, but daily, we see improvements. We’re just really blessed to have so many people care.’’
DaRosa, 28, killed Patricia Slavin and wounded her daughter, then drove to the Silver City Galleria mall, where he stabbed 56-year-old teacher George Heath to death inside a Bertucci’s restaurant where he was eating dinner with his wife. Heath was killed protecting 26-year-old waitress Sheenah Savoy, who survived. DaRosa was then shot and killed by off-duty Plymouth County sheriff’s deputy James Creed.
Savoy, who is pregnant, was still hospitalized Saturday, according to the mother of her boyfriend.
“She’s a strong girl,’’ said Cora Martin, who declined to speak further to protect the family’s privacy.
A friend of Savoy, Heidi Pinto, said Savoy was improving every day. “She’s just a really good person,’’ she said.
Savoy’s family could not be reached.
Four of Patricia Slavin’s six children remembered their mother’s loving and generous nature in brief remarks in front of the parish.
“She was just an amazing, amazing woman,’’ said Fredrick Slavin. “Her smile, her eyes, the way she brought joy into the world.’’
The Rev. Kevin Cook, pastor at the church, said the Slavin family and the parish community were still in shock over the loss. He said Slavin was known for her humble nature and quick wit; she was always lovingly teasing people, he said, and her humor was surprising and gentle.
Knowing Slavin, he said, he too believed that she would have forgiven DaRosa.
“She tried to always see the good in others,’’ he said. “She was an extraordinary optimist.’’
DaRosa’s family has said he was struggling with mental health issues and had sought help at Morton Hospital in Taunton on Monday. He was admitted to the emergency room and then a psychiatric ward, officials have said, but was released on Tuesday morning.
A wake for Slavin will be held Tuesday at O’Keefe-Wade Funeral Home in Taunton, Cook said. A funeral Mass will be said Wednesday in Holy Family Church.
Merle Coughlin, who has known Slavin for at least 10 years and was helping to plan the funeral, said Slavin always had a kind or funny word, no matter how sick she was from health complications that had plagued her in recent years.
Most days, when asked how she was doing, Slavin would reply: “I’m still walking on top of the grass,’’ Coughlin said. On days when the pain was bad, Coughlin recalled, Slavin would always say: “It’s not very good today, but it’s going to be really good tomorrow.’’
After Mass every morning, Coughlin said, Slavin joined a group of parishioners nicknamed the Spring Chicken Dunkin’ Donuts Crew, for coffee and conversation.
“They would share stories and solve the problems of the world,’’ said Coughlin.
Even at 80, Coughlin said, Slavin was determined to keep learning, and was active in Bible study and prayer groups. She was outgoing, Coughlin said, and everyone who knew her loved her.
Slavin and her daughter had opened the door for DaRosa when he banged on it, thinking that he needed to call 911. Coughlin said she could not imagine her friend doing anything differently.
“She’s our profile in courage and faith and trust,’’ said Coughlin.
Laura Crimaldi of the Globe staff contributed to this report. Evan Allen can be reached at evan.allen@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @evanmallen.