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Patty O'Neill-McElduff
Patty O'Neill-McElduff
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She grew up in Croton-on-Hudson, NY, where her tenacious defense earned her a spot on the All-County field hockey team, then graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh, where she was equally tenacious at convincing her friends to play one more hand of cards. A former advertising executive, Patty brought her powers of persuasion to her role as community service coordinator at Mountain Lakes High School. She challenged students to believe in themselves and stretch beyond their comfort zone. Under her direction, those students made Empty Bowls the biggest fundraiser in Mountain Lakes. The Key Club she advised grew so big that general body meetings could barely fit in the MLHS cafeteria.
Patty was a do-er, a fierce competitor, a champion for her students and someone who could turn anything into a game. The life of the party. The kind of person who would knock on a stranger's door to introduce herself and ask for a house tour. She loved Keri lotion and Bonnie Raitt and undercooked brownies and half-caf lattes.
Patty was always in motion. She did not wait for the pain of her illnesses to come to her, but met it head on, on her terms. She competed in triathlons and ran marathons. She especially loved going on walks and would stop to pick flowers or to say hi to every single person she walked by. Patty knew everybody, and if she didn't know you, she'd introduce herself.
She will be missed by her three boys, Michael Patrick (Kathleen), Matthew, and James; her husband, Michael; her father, Hugh O'Neill; her brothers, Danny (Michele), Paul (Kyla), Chris (Ruth), and John O'Neill; and lots of beloved cousins, nieces and nephews, and extended family. Plus all of the many, many students who found guidance and affirmation in her office at Mountain Lakes High School.
Patty's favorite place in the world was Island Beach in Mountain Lakes - that's where we'll be celebrating her life, from 2-6pm on Saturday, October 21st. Wear your party clothes (colors appreciated) and introduce yourself to someone new. This will be rain or shine - a tent and building are available for guests.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the in memory of Patty O'Neill-McElduff.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Robert Reid
October 21, 2023
Patty was a wonderful person. A loving wife and mother and a special friend to all who knew and loved her. Patty´s smile brought joy to all in the Mountain Lakes School District. She dedicated her life to serving and caring for her students. We were all blessed to know her and call her our friend. God bless you Patty.
Bob & Kathy Reid
Colleen, Debbie, Kathy, Terry, Meg, Kim, Annabel, Chris
October 19, 2023
Colleen, Debbie, Kathy, Terry, Meg, Kim, Annabel, Chris
October 19, 2023
Colleen, Debbie, Kathy, Terry, Meg, Kim, Annabel, Chris
October 19, 2023
For our dear friend of over 45 years....We are Patty O´s friends from Plattsburgh, Lake George and beyond. So many stories, adventures, good times and great friends were made then and continued into our Annual Ladies Weekend. Always happy to add some new friends along the way. But traditions held fast over the years. We bonded over great food, walks on the beach, some tears, heated discussions, laughs till your side aches, shared family stories, a little too much alcohol and of course PITCH, our favorite card game.
Patty will always live in our hearts and will be missed dearly.
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Robin S Brienza
October 13, 2023
Patty was always the biggest cheerleader in the stands at swim meets and a joy to be near. She supported every swimmer in the pool with her chants, stomps, claps and boundless energy. We loved getting to know her at Tufts and she and Mike will always have a special place in our heart for those wonderful times shared together. To Mike, James and the rest of the family, we are so very sorry for your loss of this wonderful woman.
Dale Seabury
October 10, 2023
While we didn´t know Patty well, she was always so friendly with me and my kids. She gave my son Wyatt a bag of tulip bulbs years ago (he was probably 4 or 5 years old), and she offered to plant them with him in our yard. I don't think she ultimately felt good enough to do that, so my dad planted them with him in a circle near our basketball hoop. I will think of her each and every time I see their cheery yellow color in the spring.
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