Patricia Ann "Pat" McGee
1941 - 2024
Patricia Ann "Pat" McGee
1941 - 2024
Obituary
Guest Book
Patricia McGee Obituary
Pat embarked on her teaching journey at Lincoln High School in Lincoln, IL, from 1963 to 1967, where she coached cheerleading and instituted a pom-pom squad. She then moved to Rich Central High School in Olympia Fields, IL, where she served from 1967 until her retirement in 1993. At Rich Central, she coached cheerleading and the highly competitive Sparkettes dance/pom squad. Pat played a crucial role as a founding officer of the Illinois Drill Team Association, serving as an officer and competition coordinator. Her leadership took the Sparkettes to an international competition in Japan in 1986, where they won first place in their division. Her outstanding contributions to the field were recognized with inductions into the Drill Team World Organization Hall of Fame in 1984 and the IDTA Hall of Fame in 1990.
Beyond her professional achievements, Pat was a lifelong friend to many of her former students, profoundly impacting their lives. Her love for dance and animals shone through her personal life, where she also enjoyed laying poolside in the sun, shopping on QVC & the Home Shopping Network, and showing horses. An avid sports fan, Pat was especially supportive of her nieces and nephews' sporting events.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Ervin and Dorothy Corrie; brothers Ronnie and Terry Corrie; and her beloved husband, William McGee. She is survived by her brother Donnie (Shirley) Corrie, sister Rita (Jim) Kelly, and many adoring nieces and nephews.
Services to honor Pat's legacy will be held on August 27, 2024, at Tews-Ryan Funeral Home in Homewood, IL. Visitation will take place from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will occur at 2:00 p.m. in Chenoa, IL. Tews-Ryan Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Pat's life and contributions will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Lisa Luckritz
August 27, 2024
My deepest condolences to Pat´s family and friends. I´m one of Pat´s Sparkettes, `81-`83. Keri Ellison mentions Pat´s sacrifices, teaching, mentoring, and guiding us, not just in dance , but in life! I was reflecting this morning on this very thing. Yes, we could tell she was filled with joy when we performed well but think of all of the time and energy she dedicated, to us! She was my coach for 2 years so long ago and I´ll never forget her or the lessons learned which have positively affected me throughout life. It´s pretty amazing the profound impact one individual can have on so many. You´ll always have a special place in my heart Coach McGee!
Keri Ellison
August 26, 2024
Dear Pat,
When you made the commitment to serve as coach for the cheerleaders and Sparkettes, you gave up your evenings for practices and your weekends for football, basketball and wrestling matches....for multiple decades. What an extraordinary sacrifice. You never complained; you lit up watching your teams perform.
You believed we were capable of greatness. You pushed us to find the kind of greatness that comes from persistence and hard work. Your mantra was, "Practice as you will perform". What a great mantra for life. Thank you for instilling that in us.
You required us to be displined and responsible, with no excuses. When we failed, you let us know, but you always gave us second chances. These were some of the best lessons I learned in accountability.
You showed us what strength looks like when you chose love over societal expectations. You didn't let the challenges stop you and you didn't let the prejudices jade you. You rose above it all and allowed love to lead the way.
You made a significant impact in many, many lives. Thank you for being there for us and guiding us.
With love and admiration,
Keri Ellison
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Joanne Smith Fee
August 25, 2024
My name is Joanne Fee and Peter and I have lived across street from Pat since feb 1996. I think Pat was happy to see us as Peter was Chief of police for Hazel Crest so we always had a squad in area . Got to know Pat and Bill when out w dog walkg and then later years trying to pry Boots out of bushes with salmon . Pat gave her heart and soul to being on board for assoc n devoted herself to the pool and its many many hours of passes and prep . Pat was stunning in her appearance with her beautiful tan and fabulous silver hair . Later yrs spent too many times running across street with HC paramedics helping Pat . Miss her everyday as Id like to remember her in her more mobile days but always her smile and glow . Cheers to Pat on a life well lived .
Janet S. Page
August 25, 2024
Pat (Patty) was my first cousin on my Dad´s side of the family....the Craig´s! She and her siblings, along with all the rest of us...16 cousins....had remarkable adventures on the farms, spending lots of time avoiding parental interference and spying on everyone and everything! Patty was my older lovely cousin who I worshipped and adored. So talented and creative! Usually tolerant of all our mischief! Beautiful memories of all our precious cherished time together! Can see her dancing through the stars sprinkling joy and love over us all!
Linda Carreras
August 25, 2024
So many life lessons were learned being a Sparkette under Mrs McGee. Thank you! With much love and respect from the Carreras sisters Linda and Toni.
Momi Takaki
August 25, 2024
At age 14 when I first met Pat, I was nervous and scared. That quickly became love and respect for her demands of high performance and excellence, both on and off "the field". Over the years, she continued to be a role model, mentor and friend who taught me valuable life lessons I will never forget. I imagine Pat is in heaven now, shaping up those teams of angels. Rest in peace and love.
Momi Takaki
Jill Cliffer Baratta
August 25, 2024
So supportive of the Rich Central gymnastics "Exhibition Squad" in a day before Title I. RIP Coach Corrie. Good memories.
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
18230 S. Dixie Hwy., Homewood, IL 60430
Make a Donation
in Patricia McGee's name
How to support Patricia's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Patricia McGee's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
