"We were so sorry to hear of Pat?s passing. We had that Fitzgerald-McNamee connection. It was always so nice to run into Pat and Sue too, through the years....Our love and prayers Tim & Karen Fitzgerald"
In loving memory of
Patricia Moore
November 23, 1948 - June 20, 2020
Patricia "Miss Pat" Moore died Saturday, June 20, 2020 after a brief illness. She was 71.
Always selfless, Pat focused her life of service on providing for the needs of others--often including those needs that people didn't even realize they had. And she always did so with an eye towards the betterment of society at large. She had the wonderful and rare ability to simply anticipate what was necessary in any given circumstance and accomplish what was needed in a kind, gentle, and ultimately successful way.
"Miss Pat" spent her 40+ year career teaching Montessori preschool at the Grosse Pointe Academy and the Giving Tree Montessori School demonstrating her consuming love for children. She helped her students realize their potential by giving each child the building blocks to develop a passion for lifelong learning. Her influence on her students was evidenced by her consistent selection as an "influential teacher" by graduating Grosse Pointe South students, by the countless high school and university commencement invitations she received, and by the many greetings and hugs she received from former students and their parents in the community.
As an early member of the Michigan Montessori Society (MMS) in the 1970s and the organization's president for many years, she strove to implement programs to improve teacher development and to promote Montessori education in Michigan and surrounding states. She firmly believed Montessori was the best approach to giving children the tools they needed to become thoughtful, caring, intelligent people who would serve the greater community good. In the years after her retirement, she conducted teacher training seminars for Montessori teachers and tutored for several community organizations, most recently at The Front Porch in Detroit.
Her love for the community at St. Philomena Parish in Detroit and its pastor Monsignor Peter Lentine was a mainstay in her life. Patricia served the parish in several capacities, most notably as lector, during her time as a member of that parish community and was actively seeking to fill the void created when that parish community closed.
In keeping with the philosophy that drove her life, Patricia was active in numerous "causes" beginning in the1960s and continuing through her participation in the 2017 Washington D.C. Women's March, advocacy during the 2018 elections, and her tireless work for Michigan's "Voters Not Politicians" initiative.
The births of her three grandchildren lent new energy to her quest. She loved them completely and unconditionally, celebrated their victories, and helped them navigate life's challenges with a gentle hand. She never hesitated to get down on the floor to play and take direction from them--whether it was Lego with Bran, "Stuffies" with Lyra, or in the sand pile at the cottage with Jimmy. Right up until the end, her focus was on her hopes and dreams for them.
Patricia was born a middle child in a family of eight to Stephen and Kathleen (Hoban) McNamee on November 23, 1948. She attended Guardian Angels elementary school and St. Anthony High School before earning Bachelor and Masters degrees at the University of Detroit and Marygrove College. She completed her Montessori teacher training certification program in 1970.
She is survived by Hugh her husband of nearly 50 years, children Colm (Christine) and Conor (Shannon), grandchildren Brannon, Lyra and James, sisters Mary Kay (Gerry) L'Esperance, Margaret McNamee, Susan (Dave) Buckler, Maureen (Tom) Mossesso, and Monica McNamee, brother John (Kathy) McNamee, brothers-in-law Dan Moore and Jim (Meghan) Moore, and sisters-in-law Lisa Moore and Mary (Pollard) Boykin, and many loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother Michael (Denny) McNamee.
A private funeral mass will be held Saturday, July 25 at 10 am at St. Lucy Catholic Church, 23401 Jefferson Avenue St. Clair Shores, MI 48080. The service will be live streamed at http://www.stlucychurch.com and on St. Lucy's Facebook page, and available for viewing anytime after the service on St. Lucy's website.
In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to The Capuchins, 1820 Mt. Elliott, Detroit, MI, 48207 or to The Front Porch P.O. Box 24744, Kensington Station, Detroit, MI 48224-0744.
Tributes
"Pat's death was such an unexpected loss. I will miss her a great deal. though we have been separated by distance for many years she always kept in touch with her visits and calls. I remember once I was talking to her on the phone and fretting about something and she said "try to turn your worries into prayers". I try to follow that advice -sometimes successfully.. "
"I'm so sad to know that Pat is no longer with us. She was my cousin and my confirmation sponsor. I remember her driving me places when I was little, me babysitting her kids , and then more recently we had a connection through activism. I will always remember her as a kind, smart, loving woman who was not afraid to speak her mind. A great role model to me. I know her entire circle of family and friends is feeling a lot of pain right now, I wish I could say something to ease it. Love, Betsy"
"Pat was my friend for over 50 years. We met in college, graduated the same year, married the same year and wore the same wedding dress. (Made by my Gramma) She was god mother to my daughter. We shared so much through the years. I thought we would grow much older together. She was just plain wonderful. Fun, kind, understanding, happy, passionate, honest, loving are just some of the words I would use to describe my friend. I love her and will miss her forever! Rest In Peace my dearest friend!"
"Nancy and I have enjoyed a friendship with ?Miss Pat ? for 40+ years. As neighbors just three doors down from Pat and Hugh in the early ?80s, we shared many fond memories raising boys the same age. It has always been pleasing to see how her lifelong love of children was a perfect fit to her job. Her position as ?the? teacher at the Giving Tree not only had a profound impact on our son Matt, but also on countless other children that were lucky enough to have Miss Pat as their teacher. Her legacy as an educator is matched by the depth and care she brought to her friendships. Our heartfelt sympathy to Hugh, Colm, Conor and all of Pat?s family. Ernie & Nancy Rudnick"
"How blessed I was to have Pat for my sister, mentor and best friend. My "Irish twin," she was just 11 months older than me, so our histories are intertwined. I thought she'd always be there, and her loss is deeply felt. She taught me so much, especially during the five and a half years I worked as her assistant at the Giving Tree. We shared so much laughter and joy in the classroom, and I got to see close up the kindness and patience with which she treated her young students and their parents. The last time I saw Pat, in the hospital, she told me she would be going home the next day and that I could come and visit her then. I told her I loved her, and she said she loved me right back. I will always be grateful for that. Rest in peace, Pat"
"On behalf of the Capuchin brothers I offer my deepest sympathies on the passing of Patricia. It is truly humbling to receive memorial donations in honor of Patricia's life. Please be assured of the brother's prayers for the entire Moore family during this great time of grief. May perpetual light shine upon Patricia."
"Miss Pat was such a wonderful teacher. I am so thankful my daughter, Elizabeth, was in her classroom at the Giving Tree Montessori. She was also a wonderful mentor to me as I began my Montessori career. She was one of the most patient, kind and caring teachers I knew. Life well lived, Pat! Thank you for many years of inspiration. Mary Jo Carrier"
"Such warm memories of Ms.Pat during the early days of my teaching career. She was so encouraging. My children loved being in her class. She always knew just what they needed. She introduced us to the Sanford Jones operas, which we carried to Monroe. I was privileged to serve alongside her on the Michigan Montessori Society Board. Our community has truly lost a great one. To Maureen, Sue, Connor, Colm, and Hugh and the rest of her family, I am keeping you in my heart and send you all the love I can. - Meg and the entire Fedorowicz family."
"I came to meet Pat through my sister in law Marlene and I learned so much from her. I learned not only about all things Montessori and teaching young children, but also about her gentle and humble manner that gave so many of us, as well as the children, the confidence to try most anything. I remember the summer Montessori experience of taking our children to perform an "opera" with Sanford Jones from New York. Pat was delightful as she improvised costumes from old clothes and even volunteered to take a part in the opera. She was a gentle and generous spirit. I am so sorry to all especially Hugh, Colm, and Conor. I am so sorry for your loss. Carol Hamel McGrath"
"Kathleen (Carollo) Poma I knew Patricia from Guardian Angels Grade School. Since we attended different High Schools, I lost touch with many students. After reading her Tributes, I had to let her family know what a beautiful soul she became. Her long length of accomplishments is amazing. How very proud you must be of your daughter, wife, mother and grandmother. Love and consoling hugs to all."
"So happy I had a chance to visit with her in March. She was such a special cousin who will be missed by many."
"Pat took up where our mom left off. She looked out for all of us and made sure we kept in touch. Pat called to see how we were doing and just to chat. She became the glue for the family. I?ll dearly miss her voice. Love to Hugh, Colm, Conor and their families. Although she is gone too soon we were blessed to have her in our lives. love, Maureen"
"Mary Jo (Van Tiem) Magee Pat was not only my cousin, but also my best friend. We walked together almost every day for 30 years. Pat really did make the world a better place with her wisdom, kindness, empathy, and generous spirit. She was a blessing in my life and in all whose lives she touched. Love you Pat. "
"Our most sincere sympathies to all of Miss Pat?s family. We share a very deep sadness with all that were so very fortunate to know her. We have wonderful memories of the annual Cranbrook bee exhibit, around the world birthday celebrations, and incredible International Days celebrated each Halloween. We love you; we will miss you. The Payton Family"
"I am so sad to hear of Miss Pat?s passing, she was exceptionally wise and warm. My son?s benefited so much from her teaching her kindergarten classes learned so much, about kindness, diligence, and the world. I will never for get the circle time with parents when she made us realize how little we knew ?. She changed so many lives for the better- Rest In Peace Miss Pat, and know that you were one of the great ones. "
"Miss Pat was the closest I have ever known to a perfect person (though she denied it) Harry and I, as well as our kids learned so much from her. We are all better for having had her in our lives. I will miss her. I am heartbroken for her family."
"Miss Pat was the absolute best!! She gave my two boys an incredible head start in their education at The Giving Tree! Her ability to instill a love of learning was astounding and she always did so with patience and kindness. She also inspired me to go back and get my teaching degree. I am so sorry for the family's loss. She will be missed. "
"Aunt Pat was always so sweet and kind. She had a soft, confident voice like a compass guiding us what was right and wrong. She made you feel accepted and I loved her so much."
"Aunt Pat put butter on pb&j which always surprised and delighted me."
"Miss Pat had an enormous impact on our family. She was a wonderful teacher and a mentor to the other staff at The Giving Tree. She was the heart of that remarkable program. I can hear her kind voice and infectious laughter as I write this. Thank you, Miss Pat for all you have given to my children. Thank you, Moore family for sharing her with us. "
"I only knew Pat a few years thru Kalo class, but she was always so sweet and kind to everyone. She made me laugh and was always interested in how my mother was... a true gentle soul she was. May you Rest In Peace Pat. All your hard work during your lifetime people will never forget."
"My sister-in-law Pat was the kindest and most sensitive person I have known. She always looked out for her family, and cared for her friends. I think she helped all of the family to be better people. Her children and grandchildren will remember her as a loving and remarkable person."
"Our deepest condolences to Miss Pat's husband and family. We were privileged to have her teach our only son, Luca, for one year before she retired. Luca is Guatemalan by birth and came home at 8 months old. He is now a sophomore at South and Miss Pat remains the best teacher he has ever had. My husband and I took her parenting course and learned that the word "disciple" comes from "to discipline." We watched that in action. I have never seen another person so able to handle a room full of 4, 5 and 6-year-olds like Miss Pat. There was peace in her classroom and she was the model. We are forever grateful for her guidance and love of Luca and all the children at The Giving Tree. May she be at eternal peace. "
"She was nice person and my thought and prayers with Pats family and friends"
"Ms Pat! You were such a wonderful model whom I remember so fondly. Your warmth, your love of children, and your wealth of knowledge was such a blessing to me as a young teacher and Montessorian. May Gods peace and love surround your family."
"Our Michigan Montessori community owes so much to the positive influence and hard work that Pat gave over the years. All of us, whether or not we are aware of it, have been touched by her insight, steadfastness, and devotion to our understanding of Montessori. Having known Pat as a personal friend and having served with her off and on over the past 40 years, I am heartbroken by her sudden passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Pat's family and friends."
"The very best sister(in law) ever. Rest in Peace dear Pat. Lisa Moore"
" Miss Pat was the most wonderful teacher, mentor and friend. She taught us all so much. The love and passion that she had for children was like no other. The Giving Tree Montessori School would not be what it is without Miss Pat. You will ALWAYS be in our hearts. I pray that the for the Moore family and hope they can find strength during this difficult time . I am so sorry for your loss. "
"She was wine of the kindest women I have ever known. Jen and I are sending the entire family our love and prayers. "