Patrice Ann McGuinness

Patrice Ann McGuinness passed away peacefully in the presence of her family on July 26th, 2025, at her home in Brentwood, TN. Patrice was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother ('Mawmaw'), aunt, cousin, and friend. She was known for her kindness and gentle, loving spirit. She is survived by her spouse of thirty-nine years, Owen McGuinness; her children, Ian McGuinness (Julianna), Andrew McGuinness and Anna McGuinness; her grandchildren, Owen McGuinness and Olivia McGuinness; her siblings, Chris (Philip Sr.) Robichaux-Percle, Houston Lirette (Denelda Geesling), Robert Lirette (Jody), and Jimmy Lirette (Joseana); and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Houston 'Sou' Lirette and Helen Lirette.
The funeral will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church (Brentwood, TN) on August 2nd, with visitation at 10am and mass at 11am.
Patrice was born on April 19th, 1958 in Chauvin, Louisiana, a small town 'down the bayou' about an hour south of New Orleans. Family was central to her upbringing, being raised in the town her Cajun family had been in for generations. Her family frequently ate fresh seafood out of the bayou and marshes in her backyard. She learned many of her core values in this loving and nurturing environment, including a strong work ethic, genuine hospitality and loving kindness.
She attended Louisiana State University in New Orleans where she obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN). During her time at LSU, she met her husband Owen from Bronx, New York, who was a PhD student and Teaching Assistant for her physiology course. Over time they became friends, dancing partners and eventually began dating as they spent time together at the community pool and nursing school parties.
In 1984, Owen moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to complete his post-doctoral training at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in the department of Physiology. Owen convinced Patrice to follow him and soon after they were married in her hometown of Chauvin in June of 1986. She continued her education by obtaining her Masters in Nursing (Women's Health) from Vanderbilt University in 1989. She worked as a Nurse Practitioner for a fertility clinic for several years. During the first few years of her career, she gave birth to all 3 of her children.
In 1996 she moved from Nashville to Brentwood, Tennessee, where she lived for almost 30 years. She was an active member of her community, volunteering frequently and taking her children to innumerable band, soccer and gymnastics practices, tournaments and competitions. She worked as a school nurse for Williamson County Schools for over two decades. She was a dear neighbor and friend, having numerous coffee dates, dinner dates, Bunco nights, Bocce ball tournaments, and house parties over the years.
In 2015, Patrice was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and lived with this disease for ten years. She did not let the disease slow her down. She embraced becoming a grandparent in 2018. She continued to love traveling, whether it was to the beach, lake or abroad, making memories with both the McGuinness and Lirette families. Patrice was a lifelong gardener, eventually achieving a Master Gardener certification through the state. She served in local community gardens and created a green space paradise in her own backyard.
Patrice had a deep and thriving relationship with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ throughout her life that she shared with her family and friends through her words and actions. Patrice will live on in our hearts and minds always, and we will cherish the opportunity to have had her as part of our lives. While we grieve, we also enjoy the privilege of her memory, and look forward to seeing her in the company of God and her family and friends in the future.
In lieu of flowers donations to the following organizations meaningful to Patrice can be made:
- The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, 331 Great Circle Road, Nashville, TN 37228
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