MOLONEY, “Pat” Patricia M. A. (Heffernan) - March 23, 1933 – January 2, 2018
Saying goodbye to someone you love is never easy, but knowing they are finally at peace and reunited with other loved ones gives us a sense of comfort. On Tuesday evening Mom returned to God. She prepared us well for the eventuality, but you’re never really ready to lose a parent. Nobody is. It’s one of the biggest changes life presents. Parents are the center of a person’s solar system, even as an adult. Her absence is bound to leave a deep and lasting void. We said goodbye to a wonderful, generous and extremely strong woman. As a mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, aunt, sister-in-law, sister, daughter, cousin, and friend to so many, she was loved and cherished. All the laughter and smiles we shared, we now forever hold in our hearts. The past few years have been a tremendous test for Mom, one that she met with stubborn optimism. She endured the cruel disease, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), yet was still always welcoming to all! Her courage and grace were inspiring.
With great love we - Karen, Maureen & husband Bob Weindorfer, and Paul – were by Mom’s side as she left for Heaven. We are left to miss her warm presence and positive spirit. She was a loving ‘Nana’ to her only grandchild, Kevin Collins. We have been blessed to have had so much time with Mom and now we take comfort in knowing that she will be reunited with Dad (Frank 2006), and our baby brother Gerry (1970). Patricia is lovingly remembered by her sister-in-law Jean Heffernan (Joe – deceased; Bobby - deceased). She will also be missed by her Moloney in-laws; Mark (Joan), Bob (Fran), and Theresa (Jim – deceased). Patricia was a cherished aunt to a large extended family of Heffernan and Moloney nieces and nephews, and to their families. She is thought of fondly by the Weindorfer family. She was predeceased by her parents Robert Heffernan and Zita (Bernier); her sisters Doreen Cain and Marcella McReavy; and her brother, Bobby Heffernan. Predeceased by brothers-in-law Mike Cain, Jim McReavy, Jim Moloney, Vic Moloney (Jean – deceased); Johnny Moloney (Gertrude – deceased); and sister-in-law Helen (Vic – deceased).
Patricia was blessed to grow up in the close-knit farming community of Douro of which she often reflected, “My best friends were my cousins.” Patricia was one of those very fortunate people who found her career calling early in life and she relished her role as a teacher. She maintained friendships with her fellow teachers for over 60 years and loved to attend the reunions with the Class of 1952-53 ‘Peterborough Normal School’ gang. Patricia was an exemplary professional in her role as teacher. She began her teacher career at S.S. #5 Douro in 1953 teaching Grades 1 – 8 in a one-room school house. After taking time to be at home with her children during their formative years, she continued on with her vocation until she retired in 1995 after teaching with the Durham Catholic Board in nine schools. Although she did not teach full time for all of those years, she always dedicated herself to her work wholeheartedly. Her pupils realized this and knew that she cared for them. It gave her a great sense of satisfaction to meet former pupils, their children (and their grandchildren!), who would remember her fondly.
Catholic education was a major part of Patricia’s life. In the 1960s she was very involved in St. Paul C.S.’s PTA in various positions. Patricia was also a Separate School Board Trustee in the early 1970s. Even though she had been ‘retired’ from the teaching life, Patricia was still volunteering at St. Paul C.S. until 2013. Patricia gathered friends wherever she went. Patricia will be fondly remembered for her dedication to her Catholic faith and its community. As a teen she was an enthusiastic participant in the St. Joseph’s Sodality in Douro. Patricia was also very involved in The Catholic Women’s League becoming an active member in 1956. She received her 60th year C.W.L. pin in March 2017. She volunteered in many roles over her five decades of service at St. Mary of the People and Holy Family parishes. Patricia even bowled for years with the Catholic Bowling League. Her final parish was St. John the Evangelist Parish in Whitby. It was the original parish of Patricia and Frank when they were first married in 1955. She had come ‘full circle’.
Throughout her life Patricia was very active in her community. She volunteered with the White Cross, Meals on Wheels, Birthright, and the 21st Oshawa Boy Scouts. Some of the lesser known adventures in Patricia’s life included being a Pilgrimage tour guide through Israel and Rome; and her role as a Census taker. She also worked as the T.V. host on a Global program “The Church Today” in the early 1970s; and as a counsellor to prisoners at the Whitby Jail. Patricia was an independent and modern woman, and in many ways she was a woman ahead of her time. At age 80, Patricia eagerly embraced her new home at Taunton Mills joining in Aquafit and fitness classes, weekly euchre, and bonding with her tablemates. She even took on a part-time job in the community store. She was determined to learn her way around her laptop computer, checking emails and surfing the Net, but then realized that she actually enjoyed writing, and mailing letters and cards to the people in her life.
Mom was very proud to have reached the age of 84¾, still young at heart and quick to share a laugh. She found friendship and care at Taunton Mills Retirement Village. Heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff for their affection, patience, and respect shown to Mom, especially during the last year. They provided Patricia with excellent daily care and comfort. A special thanks to Dr. John Vu. Flowers graciously declined. In memory of Patricia please donate to: The Charles H. Best Diabetes Center for Children; Greater Durham Special Olympics; or just do something nice for someone.
Visitation will be held at OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME , 847 King St. W., Oshawa 905 721-1234 on Friday, January 5, 2018 from 2-4 and 6-8pm. Prayers will be held at 3pm.
Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 12:00pm at HOLY FAMILY PARISH, 91 Ribblesdale Drive, Whitby. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Whitby.
Online condolences may be made at oshawafuneralhome.com.
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