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Mary P. (Patsy) Halpenny
Mary P. (Patsy) Halpenny
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Mary Halpenny Obituary
Born in November 18, 1946 at Tucson St. Mary's hospital, daughter of James F. Moore and Mary Campbell Moore, she loved the Catalina Mountains.
Mary was born a teacher and taught all of her life. She taught for 45 years. Beginning by teaching English in Uganda for 5 years, she decided to devote her career to teaching English to non-English speakers. Returning to Tucson she started her career teaching at Suffolk Hills High School (now named Immaculate Heart High School) and later transferred to Canyon Del Oro High School. She ended her career by returning once again to Immaculate Heart High School.
She thought that teaching English to non-English speakers opened up a global world for her students, giving them a skill that they could use anywhere they chose to go in their lives, on any continent.
A former student, Yuming Zhao took great care of her in her final illness, and with great devotion.
A service and interment will be at East Lawn Cemetery on July 11, 2025 at 2:00 PM Tucson time.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
YUMING ZHAO
July 13, 2025
On my life´s journey there have been two kindred spirits who shaped me more deeply than anyone else; Patsy was one of them. Without her, I would not be who I am today.
Patsy taught me more than just a language-she taught me how to face life itself and how to relate to others. Through her actions she embodied the true meaning of kindness, never hesitating to extend a helping hand to anyone in need. Whenever someone needed her, she was the first to arrive, patiently guiding and guarding their dignity. Even when rigid rules seemed cold and unyielding, she would break them if it meant bringing warmth and respect to the vulnerable.
In my darkest hours-when I was lost, confused, and on the brink of collapse-she gently pulled me back into the light. Countless times she arranged meetings for me, helped revise my papers, and coached me through scholarship applications. From my high-school graduation to my enrollment at Pima, then to my university graduation and finally to becoming a citizen, she stood by my side at every milestone. Even as illness plagued her for six long years, her concern for my growth never wavered for a single moment.
In her final lesson, I truly felt the weight of responsibility and the journey of growth she entrusted to me. I once believed that her passing would bring relief to her and me-but it left only regrets and sorrow: regret that I was not a doctor so my decisions might carry more authority, regret that I could not keep watch by her side around the clock. Yet I know life must go on, and I will honor her boundless love by growing ever stronger. Patsy, you were my guiding light and my refuge; your teachings will forever direct my path.
I pray that in another life we will meet again, that I might embrace you once more and whisper, "All is well." May you rest peacefully on that serene shore beyond our sight. Your love and faith in me have become an undying force in my life. I will miss you-always and forever.
May our remembrance today be transformed into our most earnest tribute and our firmest promise: to let love continue its journey.
YUMING ZHAO
Marcia Volpe
July 7, 2025
It is with great sorrow to learn of Patsy´s passing. She was an unprecedented teacher who loved her students as her own. As a colleague of hers at Canyon Del Oro High School, I admired her creativity and diligence in the classroom and within the school. What a joy it was to work with her.
God Bless Patsy!
Marcia Volpe
Ron and Nancy Barber
July 6, 2025
Dear Phil, Nancy and I send our condolences and support in this most difficult time.
Ron and Nancy Barber
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