Patricia Jeanne McKenney accepted her invitation to Heaven on December 31, 2014. She was born September 2, 1935 in Milton, MA to the late Pasquale Carilli and Frances Meo, and was the youngest of four daughters; Elena and the late Florence and Grace. Pat met the love of her life (Bob McKenney) on a blind date at a football game at the University of Miami in 1955. They married on June 3, 1956. They were the first couple to have a wedding reception at the Fountainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach, FL. On June 28, 2000 Bob made his journey to God with Pat and his children by his side. Pat's loved spending her time with her family. She had a deep affection for the precious moments she had with her four children and nine grandchildren. She was the loving mother of Robert (Susan), Kara, John (Christine), and Kristen Soucie (Bill) and the cherished Nonnie of Kevin, Thomas, Jaclyn, Evangeline, William, Olivia, JP, Jacob, and Teagan. Her love for her extended family remains in the hearts of her many nieces, nephews, and her sister. Education was very important to Pat; not only for herself and her family but for all of the children that she taught who had learning disabilities. She continued her education while raising a family and received a Master's Degree in Special Education from Barry University in Miami Shores, FL. As a stay-at-home mom, she was very active in all aspects of the nurturing of her children. She loved volunteering her time and talents in the classroom, at her church, and at the local museum. Many of our family memories were spent on the coast of Maine in Wells Beach and at Moose Pond Lake in Denmark, Maine. She was a strong woman with a deep faith in God and had affection for Mary. She has instilled that faith and strength upon those that she has touched. Two of the organizations that Pat supported were St. Jude's and the Missionaries of Charity. The family would like any donations in her memory to go to St. Jude's or to Missionaries of Charity, 556 County St, New Bedford, MA 02740. Pat's grandson, William, so beautifully reminds us all of Pat's invitation to 'Instead of mourning my death, celebrate my life.' (Marshall Bruce Mathers). A Funeral Mass will be held Monday, January 5, 2015 at 9:00am at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 600 S Nova Rd, Ormond Bch, FL. 386-672-5272. Burial will take at 2:30pm at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102 Ave, Bushnell, FL.
Published in Daytona Beach News-Journal (FL) - Sunday, January 4, 2015