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Patricia McGinnis Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Patricia McGinnis
Karin Rouse
March 9, 2009
I did not know Pat for a long time,but she was a verry good Friend.
I think about her everyday,and read my Poem"When tomorow start's
without me"that brings me closer to my dear Friend.
Mikayla Fisher
March 8, 2009
Grandma, even though she wasnt actually my grandma she treated me like i was her own. She was always loving, caring and helped me with all of my problems. I could talk to Grandma about anything. If i was having family troubles she was always there to talk to. Going to the beach with the Bonsell family was always a blast. Grandma taught us new things, even if we didnt want to learn them. I may not have known grandma for as long as some people, but i did know her long enough to know that she was the best grandma in every possible way. Playing softball she was always there to support us, and she always supported everyone in the best ways. She was never negative about anything. She was always the best she could be. I remember first meeting grandma at the Bonsell house 5 years ago. She was sitting at her sewing machine, making one of those fancy purses that she made. I remember her sitting on the couch watching a show on the tv, not even paying attention, and grandma was crocheting a blanket and i thought that was really cool. i asked grandma if she could teach me how to do that. Once she taught me, i could never stop. Whenever i went to the beach we stayed with grandma and i always wanted to hang out with her and learn how to make new things. Whether it was baking, sewing, painting, drawing, knitting, or crocheting she was amazing at it.
Even though Kristin and I gave her grief whenever she told us to respect our parents, it always paid off in the long run. You are my hero grandma.
I love you. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Your sewing and knitting grandaughter.
<3 Mikayla
Shawn McGinnis
March 5, 2009
My Mother was an amazing woman. She was kind, loving, compassionate and selfless. She was my role model and Hero. She was there to guide me with her vast wisdom in difficult times and to also share in good times. Although she is no longer physically on earth, her spirit and wisdom will live on in each one of her children, grandchildren and loved ones. Each of us carries a part of her with us.
Mom, I love and miss you so much
Patrick McGinnis
March 5, 2009
When life presented lemons; mom sure knew how to make lemonaide. Mom was one of a kind, and the world will be a little less kind and pleasant without her presence. Mom came into a room or a life like a warm and welcome summer breeze, settling comfortably among all who were gathered. Selfless, nurturing, loving, and inspirational are the enduring thoughts that will accompany memories of my mom. Many of the most difficult decisions in my life have been guided by the love and wisdom imparted by mom from the time of my earliest memories. I will miss her persistent humor her boundless energy, and her genuine love of life. Her love and committment to family and friends and her compassion for all creatures will continue to serve as a beacon to guide my way.
Paul Bonsell
March 5, 2009
"My Favorite Mother-in-Law."
I was having a conversation with Grandma one day, I started calling her Grandma because everyone else called her MaMa or Mommaw or some word I couldn't figure out. I kept calling her that and it really stuck! Soon others started calling her Grandma too. "Grandma" liked "telling it like it was" and she was the "Grandma" of this tribe. Anyway, I told her she was my "favorite Mother-in-Law" for some reason or another, and her reply was something to the effect of, Coming from you Mr. Bonsell I'll take that as a compliment, which it truly was. Here was a woman who accepted me for who I was with no questions asked. Maybe because I treated her the same way. We usually agreed about how things in the world should be and how to deal with things that were going on. Just imagine if "Grandma" could have run the world. Hey! Party Hats for everyone!!! Seriously, she had a sharp mind and a great insight as to how things should be. She was my "Favorite Mother-in-Law" because she never once said "You're wrong about that", she might disagree but would always listen to your side of the story. She was my "favorite mother-in-law" because of the way she loved my kids. Stevie and Kristin could make Kelly and I so mad, but she always loved them no matter of their faults, which most people could have made a long list of. She was my "favorite mother-in-law" because she loved my dog Molly, as much if not more than I did. Hey, I never slept on the floor with my arms around Molly. (see the pictures for the proof). When she came to visit upon pulling into the driveway Molly would greet her with tail wagging and tennis ball in her mouth. She always spent the first 10 minutes of her visit sitting in her car talking with Molly. We may want to check the Subaru to see if there are any of my balls still in there. If you have ever come to visit you know what I mean. So, aside from being my favorite Mother-in-law, or Grandma, or Mommaw, or Pat, or Patty, or whoever she was to you, she was one of the all around best natured, well informed, not afraid to take on anything, people I have or will ever meet. She has made a life long impact on me that I would not trade for the world, even though I have not known her nearly as long as some. So, to my "favorite mother-in-law" Thank you for who you were, and I like to think a small part of you will live on with me. God Bless, My favorite Mother-in-Law,
Love,
Paul
Brittany McGinnis
March 3, 2009
As I sit back and reminisce on my life that I've shared with my Grandmother, I'm filled with immense joy. While many people may chose to look at her death negitively, wondering why God would take such a blessing from us, I cannot help but to feel greatful for everyday I got to spend with her, as few as they seemed.
Each day with my Grandmother was nothing short of extraordinary. When my mind wanders back to the times I've spent with her, I cannot remember a time when she wasnt teaching us some sort of life lesson. I'm sure every single one of her grandchildren has had to sit back and endure one of Grandma Patty's infamous lectures, come on now, groan with me. We all hated them at the time, but you know what? Looking back on the many lectures she has given us, brings tears to my eyes, because I know I will never be able to learn another life lesson from her. I'm just sorry that I couldnt have embraced them sooner. Everyday with Grandma was like a gift, and I'm positive everyone that has crossed paths with her on lifes journey will surely agree. Grandma had such a big heart. She wanted the best for her grandchildren, and we had the best..we had her. We were truely blessed to have her in our lives. I remember when I was in the hospital, bored out of my mind, she actually went through the trouble to get the number to the hospital, and call me. That is something that touched me, and will probably remain with me forever. She was so accepting, understanding. She was my shoulder to lean on (though sometimes she needed mine to lean on, litterally :p), and I love her very much for that.
All the good memories, unfortunately, are followed by some not so good. I can just imagine her now, annoyed at me for something I had done/said, hand on her hip, gum in her mouth, calling out my name, "Brittany!" I knew, right then, I was in for some sort of a lecture. It's funny though, because right now, I would give anything to hear her call my name like that again. I suppose that is a bit selfish though, God needs his angel now. I can imagine her in heaven, skipping around, free of pain, of worry. That big crooked smile on her face. I cherish the moments I had with her, and I look forward to the many more we will share when it is my turn to reunite with her in heaven.
Donna Raymond
March 3, 2009
To Pat's Family,
It was with shock and a very heavy heart that I read about your Mom's sudden passing in the paper tonight. What an incredible woman she was and what a blessing to have had her in my life. We spent many hours together traveling back and forth to State College in the late 80's during graduate school. She was a true mentor to me at a time when I needed a wise and compassionate friend. What a wonderful role model she was in how she lived her life and how she practiced her profession. Her family was everthing to her. She will be your guardian angel watching over all of you from heaven.
I am so grateful to have seen her by chance this fall at the Bedford festival. But then again, there are no coincidences in life and I will be forever grateful for that one last visit God gave us.
What a privilege it was to have Pat in my life. She will be greatly missed. We would all do well to strive to be like her. My sincere sympathy to all of you over your loss.
Amanda Pearson
March 3, 2009
I have no idea how my entry will even compare to each and everyone that has already typed something about Pat McGinnis. I'm just going to say how she impacted my life. I may not be part of the family, but she made me feel that way whenever I would go over to the Swayne house. She would always greet me with a loud welcoming and would find a way to compliment me on something whether it was my colorful socks, or my new purse.
One thing that I noticed when I went to Tyler's house, was that she was always busy. Whether she was sewing, cooking, or on the computer (probably ordering something :)). She would bake something that smelled delicious, or sometimes I would walk in and wonder what is that? :) (she would be cooking one of her "healthy meals") which usually smelled interesting, but she always incouraged me to try it, because she knew how much I have a love for food. :) She always said that I was easy to please.
She always made me laugh and smile too, I guess that is why I got the nickname "giggles". If I walked into the house and went into her room and she wasn't there i knew exactly where she was.... the guest bedroom, sewing up a storm. I'd always stop in to talk to her and see what was new. Of course everywhere she was FOX News was right there with her, keeping her political beliefs firm.
She would tell me about a new class that she recently attended, to learn how to make something she'd never tried before, then she would come home and test out her skills. I was always interested and very envious of the way she could pick anything up and be GREAT at it. She would ask me questions on how fashionable certain items where, and i was her fashion consultant :)
Another great thing about her is that she treated me the same way she treated all of her grandchildren. She made me feel special in my "home away from home" :) She was like my third grandma that was only seven minutes away.
Along with everyone else I will miss her deeply, and I am very thankful to have someone with such a great outlook on life impact me. I will never ever forget her and that smile that comforted me.
Laurie Hayes
March 3, 2009
Patrick,Colleen,Shawn and Kelly
I AM SO SORRY for the loss of your mom !! And I know just how hard the next year is going to be for all of you, but I do believe that our loved ones watch over us they never really leave us..
Aunt Pat was very special to me and I loved spending my childhood summers in Altoona with her,Uncle Ron and my cousins, she ALWAYS made me laugh and she had no problem laughing at me when i did something she thought was crazy...She actualy tought me it was ok to laugh at myself..
Aunt Pat WILL ALWAYS hold a special place in my heart and in my life that i will forever cherish !!!
She WILL be missed, loved and remembered forever in my heart !
Kathy Young
March 3, 2009
Pat was the best friend for which anyone could ask. She mentored, counseled, and supported me through times of trial and times of joy. She was all about relationship building and could make a friend in anyone who crossed her path. Pat touched many lives...she believed in second chances and believed people could change if given the tools and opportunity to do so. Because of Pat, there are many people who have recovered and survived.
Thank you Pat for allowing me to share in a piece of your life. You will be missed greatly.
Lauren McGinnis
March 3, 2009
An irish proverb states: Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. This is so true. My grandma was one of the greatest people ever involved in my life and nobody will ever steal those memories from me. One of the first words that comes to mind when I think about her is unique. She was unique in the way she handled everything she encountered in her long path of life. She always told me that my outlook on life reminded her of my dad’s; that’s because she raised him. She was always optimistic about everything. I like to think that I have a lot of the same qualities that I always admired in her. She always jumped on every opportunity to tell me and my cousins any story that would help us in life. I will never forget singing “it’s the hard-knock life” when she told us to do something we didn’t want to do and the stories she would tell us about a “hard-knock life”. After that, we learned that we were far from it. She made me appreciate a lot of things I never thought I would. Without grandma, this family will never be the same. At holidays, instead of laughing at the quirky things she did (that the adults yelled at her for and the kids found hilarious), we will be reminiscing about her and her love for life. And, Grandma, now you can be our guardian angel, always watching over us (instead of the grand kids being sent to watch you!).
“Love is patient, Love is kind, it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails” – the quote on the bracelet Grandma gave the “3 musketeers” last christmas.
Val McGinnis
March 3, 2009
A true memorial to my Grandma's character is the fact that I have no idea where to even begin describing her. She was the wisest woman I've ever known, and she shared her wisdom whether I appreciated it at the time or not. I remember the times she came to visit on Cape and the great times we had. One of the better days was my senior year of high school when she came up to see my show, Annie. Yeah, she traveled from VA to MA to see me in a high school production. That's the kind of Grandma she was. She sprung me from school and we spent the day together at the movies. Most prominently I will remember my Grandma's unique and perpetual optimism. She had every reason to complain, so she surprised the world with laughter. She had every reason to be angry, so she surprised us all with grace. She was brilliant, loving, self motivated, and sooo compassionate. Recently she gave me a piece of advice that really struck a chord with me, so I wrote it down. She said it had stuck with her when she was younger. She said we all have to 'pack our own chute's', meaning if we want something we need to make it happen. I love my Grandma, and love never fails.
Lauren McGinnis
March 2, 2009
An irish proverb states: “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.” This is so true. My grandma was one of the greatest people ever involved in my life and nobody will ever steal those memories from me. One of the first words that comes to mind when I think about her is unique. She was unique in the way she handeled everything she encountered in her long path of life. She always told me that my outlook on life reminded her of my dad’s; that’s because she raised him. She was always optimistic about everything. I like to think that I have a lot of the same qualities that I always admired in her. She always jumped on every opportunity to tell me and my cousins any story that would help us in life. I will never forget singing “it’s the hard-knock life” when she told us to do something we didn’t want to do and the stories she would tell us about a “hard-knock life”. After that, we learned that we were far from it. She made me appreciate a lot of things I never thought I would. Without grandma, this family will never be the same. At holidays, instead of laughing at the quirky things she did (that the adults yelled at her for and the kids found hilarious), we will be reminicissing about her and her love for life. And, Grandma, now you can be our guardian angel, always watching over us (instead of the grandkids being sent to watch you!).
“Love is patient, Love is kind, it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails” – the quote on the bracelet Grandma gave the “3 musketeers” last christmas.
Lyndsi McGinnis
March 2, 2009
Grandma was the most beatuiful, wonderful woman I know. As a child, she gave me a lecture on just about everthing. As I grew older, those lectures from grandma turned into words of advice from a friend. She has taught me, as well as others, so many life-long lessons. I will continue to always appreciate her wisdom. Grandma was quite a funny lady too. She could make anyone laugh. I loved that she had such an optimistic outlook on life. There are qualities I find in myself, that are those of my grandma. I spent alot of time with her going on trips from california to new york when I was younger. In the past couple years I have spent alot of time talking on the phone to her, she always ended in the conversation "thanks for calling" :) She wanted to enjoy everything she possibly could with her grandchildren, and that she did. We have all had many fun and loving times with her. I am so thankful for the memories I have with my grandma.
Kristin Bonsell
March 2, 2009
My grandma was not what you would consider normal. She made you laugh when you were sad, and was at every show and every game that her grand children were in. The next couple months will be hard but at least now she will be every where I go. She will see everything i do and hear everything i say. I am not like all of my other cousins and sister, I do not sing and i don't play an instrument but my grandma supported me in every way a grandma could. She was not one of those grandmas that could run and play out side with you but some how she always found some way to entertain us. If it was not doing the chicken dance with my cousin, it was teaching me how to paint or sew. These next couple mouths will be hard for all of us. I love you grandma and I will never forget you no matter how long , and don't worry I will be telling my children how great of a grandma you were
Love your granddaughter,
Kristin
Thomas Hayes
March 2, 2009
I knew and immensely loved Aunt Pat,as I called her, longer than anyone, aside from my own parents. She made everything more fun.
As a very small child, she was the person that,initially, got me to eat lettuce. I was always so excited when she visited that I would often act out. Aunt Pat would threaten to go home unless I behaved and would hide from me until I settled down.
Before her and Uncle Ronny was married, they took my younger brother and me to a circus under the big top in a real tent. Both were always very good to both my brother and me.
Everyone that knew Aunt Pat was impressed by her wisdom and her wonderful sense of humor. I am sure that she will be missed by alot people.
Stevie Woodring
March 2, 2009
My grandmother was nothing short of extraordinary. There was never a dull moment with her. She was a wonderful, and supportive, mother, grandmother, and friend. She wore many "Hats" in life, be it chef, seamstress, chauffeur, teacher, humanitarian, you name it she did it. I have always envied her optimistic outlook on life, she was able to find the good in each and every situation, and never sweat the small stuff. She wrote in my final yearbook “You have not been afraid to march to the beat of a different drummer…” This is certainly no coincidence. She to, had her own beat. In fact I can remember many times as “the band” marched one way she turned around and marched straight through them in the other direction. She wasn’t afraid to disagree, and could overcome most any obstetrical. She is the wisest, and bravest person I’ll ever come to know in my life. I’ll cherish every life lesson she has ever taught me, and pass them on one day. She showed and gave me a love for the arts. Music and the stage will scream her name for the rest of my life. She will be greatly missed on this earth, though I look forward to her popping up in my daily life.
I love you and miss you so much Mom Maw! I'll think of you everyday!
Love Your Diva,
Stephanski (Stevie)
Kelly Bonsell
March 2, 2009
I am still trying to figure out how I will go on without her, (even though I know that she would be very upset with me for saying that). My mother was a very special talented women anyone that knew her understood that. She had touched some many lives were ever she was. I will miss her more then I can ever express! I am holding on knowing she is now at a better place and is dancing and running with no pain and no cane. She will be with me always/forever.
Greg Vermillion
March 2, 2009
Even though I have only known Pat for a short time, as a neighbor for the last 2 years. She made my wife Cathy and I feel welcomed to the neighborhood and was always a pleasure to talk with and to listen to her many stories and expressions of Love for all animals. She will truley be missed by all.
Jeff Swayne
March 2, 2009
Pat entered my life when I first met Colleen, and from that moment on, I knew she was special. She was everything you could want as a friend. I am blessed to have had her in my life, especially these past five years that she live with us. She will be greatly missed.
Heike Martin
March 2, 2009
Pat was a very special person. She was a very kind, understanding person who always thought of others before herself. We are all very fortunate to have had Pat in our lives. She definitely felt like part of our family! We will miss her greatly!
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Pat's family and friends at this very difficult time.
Heike Martin & Family
Colleen Swayne
March 2, 2009
Anyone who knew my mom knows that God blessed us with her . . . through her big heart, words of wisdom, her need to serve and her unique way of making us laugh. I am finding comfort in knowing that she lived life her way up until the end, and, most importantly, that, at last, she no longer has pain!
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