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BORN
1941
DIED
2024
Patricia Friel Obituary
She grew up near Marlinton, WV and went to school from the first grade through High School in Marlinton. She graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College in Christian Education in 1964 and Western Montana College in 1992 with a teaching degree. She enjoyed homemaking, teaching, Church work and she especially loved babysitting.
Growing up she was quite active in Church, the 4-H club throughout the state and active in HS Choir. She traveled to Jackson Mills for several summers for the 4-H activities. While in college she was active each summer with Church Vacation Bible programs throughout WV. She went to college with the idea of becoming a missionary, and although she never became a missionary, she was quite active in Christian work all of her life. She volunteered at the Christian School for several years, taught Sunday School most of her life, Vacation Bible School during the summer, Church Secretary, Church Financial secretary and the Gideons. She volunteered extensively at the New Hope Pregnancy Center and the Baptist Student program at Montana School of Mines.
Pat touched many lives and those who knew her loved and appreciated her loving nature. There was a flood of visitors and well-wishers as her health deteriorated. Pat will be sadly missed by all.
With her Husband Leroy Friel (60 years) she lived in West Virginia, Georgia (6 years), Maine (6 years) and Montana for 48 years. She also ventured to Mexico City for seven months in 1983.
She is Survived by her husband Leroy Friel and daughter Catherine Friel of Butte Montana; an older brother Jim Simmons in Thailand. Also, she is survived by two sisters-in-law Dreama Sharp Simmons of WV and "Pug" Oglesby Simmons of Florida.
She was preceded in death by father James Clem Simmons, mother Jane Estelle Sharp Simmons, brothers Mark Simmons, Gene Simmons, Marvin Simmons and Cliff Milton Simmons.
Funeral services will be Friday July 19 at Park Street BC, 11 am with meal.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Patricia Friel
5 Entries
Linda Royse Lenhardt
December 3, 2024
Here's a picture of Pat looking out a window at Jenkins Hall, Wesleyan. This is when I knew her as a college friend there, back in 1959-61. She was a dear friend and a sweet person.
Nate W.
September 23, 2024
Condolences Catherine and Leroy.
Anna
July 22, 2024
Leroy and Cathy- I´m so sorry for your loss.
With sympathy,
Anna Coe (and Doug Coe)
JB George
July 15, 2024
Mrs. Friel was my kindergarten and 1st grade teacher. Since I had up to that point a very difficult time in both Sunday School and nursery school, her class was probably the first successful classroom setting I had. (I was a "spirited" child.) She was so patient and loving. I learned to spell the word "patient" because of her name (I know that's a secret, to know your teacher's first name.) I will always consider her, along with Leroy and Cathy, dear friends!
Ann Gilmore
July 14, 2024
Leroy, I am so sad to learn of Pat's passing. I know you and Cathy will miss her so very much.
I am so glad that we got acquainted while Frank and I were at Tech. It was always a pleasure to be with Pat.
My deepest sympathy, Ann Gilmore
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