Patricia Vander Schaaf

Patricia Ellen O'Neill Vander Schaaf, 81, passed peacefully at Crestview Nursing Center in Brownsville, TN on December 30th, 2024, where she spent her last year's uplifting and befriending the residents and staff. Patricia "Pat" was born August 13th,1943 in Trenton, New Jersey to parents George Patrick O'Neill and Mary Cryan O'Neill. Pat received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Rider College. She moved to Memphis, Tennessee in 1966 where she began her long career in public service. Pat served the City of Memphis as a City Council member from 1975 to 2002. She was an advocate of police and fire issues, active supporter of the handicapped, passionate about Memphis development, and was instrumental in securing key initiatives for the City. Pat was Vice President of Vander Schaaf and Associates, a development company which created Davies Plantation in Shelby County, TN. Pat served on the board of directors of many charitable organizations in Memphis, including the YMCA Downtown Taskforce, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi Girl Scouts Council, Boys Club and others, earning her the honor of the National Conference of Christians and Jews Award.

Preceded in death was her beloved son, Claire "Trey" Vanders Schaaf III, and her parents. Pat leaves behind two grandsons, Ryan and Connor, her sisters, Maureen (John) Moroze and Michaela (Jack) Mathews as well as countless other friends to cherish her memory. Pat will be remembered most fondly for her compassion, generosity, and selflessness towards people and animals alike.

In keeping with Pat's generous spirit, donations can be made to The Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County.