Patricia (Ms. Pat) McMahon
Dear Grice Family,
Thank you for taking the time to read this and to celebrate the life of our coworker and friend. I started working with Ms. Pat over twenty years ago and will always be grateful for the wisdom and support she provided her students and coworkers. Pat was an Irish-Italian firecracker with both a strong mind and even stronger heart. Each year, I would choose students from my classes who would benefit the most from her approach and individual attention. It was a joy to observe her ability to break down barriers and create a loving rapport built on mutual respect. While writing this, I am reminded of all the times I sought out her guidance when writing a letter or an email to a colleague. Teaching writing was her passion and where she excelled professionally. Honestly, she is probably donning her grammar cap right now and picking this letter apart…..Sorry Pat! Some of you may be aware that Pat was also a lifelong fan of the Philadelphia Phillies and good friends with the late Richie Ashburn. Pat would always say, “Richie was my heart” when reminiscing about his career and their time together as friends. Below you will find a link to the Richie Ashburn-Harry Kalas Foundation that provides free baseball camps and clinics to children in the Philadelphia area. I know that any donations made in her name would make a difference and put a big smile on her face. If you have any thoughts or memories you would like to share please feel free to add them to the document and we can send it to her family. She will be missed.
Best Regards,
Evan R. Price
https://ashburnkalasfoundation.org/Memories
I certainly miss her presence here at Grice! I will always remember Ms. Pat asking about my two kids and commenting how beautiful they were after seeing them on Facebook. She always had great things to say about them. She would always come and see me when she ran into my father at the deli in the morning. She expressed great interest in my and my family’s lives. She not only cared about my and my family’s lives, but she cared deeply for the lives of her students. The students loved Ms. Pat! She was a great woman, and she will certainly be missed. May she rest in peace. Brittany Bronski
Ms. Pat always had a gentle way about her that I grew to admire. She provided a calmness that the students were drawn to. In today’s world, what a gift to offer our youth. She will be missed. May she rest easy now.
Danielle Silverglade
Ms. Pat was always a friendly face for me at Grice throughout my time here. She always said Hi and asked how I was doing as well as my family. She would always put a smile on my face. She showed her kindness and her caring nature towards me and her students :) - Andrea Egner
Ms. Pat was always a very caring soul. She greeted each one of her fellow teachers hello in the hall and asked about our families. She cared about the children and was a wonderful assistant. I had the opportunity to work with her in Mr. Price’s class a few times and I was able to watch what a great relationship and impact she made on the students. She will be missed! Rest in Peace Ms. Pat! - Kristina Clark
Ms. McMahon was one of the first people I met when I came to Grice. She was so warm and friendly and always willing to lend a helping hand. She would take huge pride in her students and the progress they made. Often she would share a copy of student work, or, a kind card of thanks she received from a parent or student. Thank you for the decades of experience you brought to our students. Rest in Peace Ms. McMahon. - David R. Innocenzi
I will always remember Pat for her big heart and gentle demeanor. Pat always asked how you were and always had a kind word any time you saw her. When she had a question she would pop in my room and we would talk well beyond the question she came in for. She was always working hard to make sure her students knew she cared while challenging them to be their best. Rest in Peace Pat. You are certainly missed at Grice Middle School. – Marianne Pace
Ms. Pat was always there for the students and wanted to help in any way she could. I remember her helping with the food drive boxes for Thanksgiving. She quietly let me know about students who were in need and would make sure they had something to eat. She loved her daughter , Vicky, so much and was so very proud of her. Now I know she will enjoy the joy of peace and wellness. Dance with the angels, Pat. Rachel Reither
Ms. Pat will be greatly missed. She had such an uplifting presence to anyone’s path she crossed. I did not have the honor of working one-on-one with her, but just seeing and chatting with her in the halls each day left a major impact on me. She is so selfless, caring, and genuine. Whenever she passed me in the hallway, we would stop and chit-chat. She always asked me about things going on in my life (specifically when my boyfriend was going to “put-a-ring on it” - LOL). I truly miss seeing her happily stroll down the halls of Grice already, and will cherish the time I had with her. May you rest in peace Ms. Pat.
Love always,
Alyssa Zippo
My first memory of Ms. Pat was from my first year at Grice. We were both arriving back to school from lunch at the same time, and she asked to see my school ID before holding the door open for me. She said there were so many new teachers the year I started that she couldn’t keep track (and there were a lot of us!). From that day, she always made it a point to say hello when she walked by D6. Last year she was so excited that we were expecting our first child and she always made me feel like the most glowing pregnant woman even when I felt like a whale. Pat was so touched the year she received the ESP of the Year award -- she was unwaveringly dedicated to her students and had such a genuine passion for her work here at Grice. Her sunny presence will be missed. Rest easy, Pat -- Amanda Ruzich
Every time I saw Pat and talked with her, she could have either the worst or best day in the week and STILL have a smile on her face with a heart full of pure joy for what she does. She was the reason that I always looked for the little blessings in my life to look to and remember that we can do everything with a true smile on our face. I always said that I wanted to be like her in that aspect, because when I get tired and unmotivated, I remember our conversations, and I give all that I have to push through. Thank you Pat. You will be sincerely missed, though I know now that you are resting completely in the hands of the father.
Miss you already Pat,
DJ Simon
I am so very thankful to have met a special woman like Ms. Pat. Her positive energy would just fill up the entire classroom. There were so many days that I would see a smile on her face, that was more often than not. I will forever cherish the memories I have with her at Grice. Though she has passed, there are so many lives at Grice she impacted. I feel thankful to be one of the many. Rest in paradise - Victoria Camera
I worked with Patty in the cafeteria. Little did I know that she informed me her brother was Detective Bob Kerwick whom I worked with at the Trenton Police Criminal Investigations Unit. We became good friends. She pointed out a homeless student to me that came to the cafeteria and had no money to eat. I found out later she would take care of breakfast and lunch for him. Eternal rest Patty.
- Vincent Radice
Pat and I worked together for over twenty years. She quickly went from being my assistant to becoming my friend. Pat was always ready and willing to lend an ear or give that much needed hug. Her warmth, kindness, and wisdom helped me through many challenges both personally and professionally. Grice just won’t be the same without her. I will miss her laughter and smiling face. Rest easy, Pat.
-Michelle Infante
Pat and I worked together in class and she was also a kind and compassionate friend. She had a zest for life and her positive energy could light up the room. She truly cared about the students and their well-being. Pat always had kind words to say and we shared many laughs and stories together. I will miss her warmth and kindness. Rest easy. Pat Colleen Smith
I met Ms. Pat on my first day here at Grice. She was my assistant my first year here and helped me learn the ropes here at Grice. Without Pat, that year would have been very different. She was kind to me from day one and I always remembered that. Pat had a kind heart and was interested in all aspects of other people’s lives. Before I had children myself she asked about my nephew and niece all of the time. She loved the stories and was genuinely interested in how everyone was. When I began to have my own family, Pat checked in on me all of the time. As my family grew over the years, Pat asked all of the time, about all of my kids and “very good looking husband” lol. Each time, Pat was more and more giddy to hear stories about what they were up to, how school was and of course their little kid mischief. Ms. Pat was very generous behind the scenes. Always taking care of the students with challenging home lives. Buying them little things, purchasing a child food who did not have any, telling them positive affirmations about themselves and just nurturing them beyond what they may have been used to. There was one student in particular that I am thinking of that she really took under her wing. The changes this child made over the years was astounding. You could see this child’s spirit start shining a little brighter everyday. Pat continued to nurture this child, like they probably never were before. Her good deeds were never told and she liked it that way. It was through observation only, that you could see how much she really did give to others.
During the flag salute Pat would proudly recite it and no fail, at the end always said “God bless our troops.” I don’t know why but I looked forward to hearing her say that, when I was around her in the morning. It was just one of the little ways that showed she was always thinking of others regardless of where they were.
She would probably laugh at my very large “paragraph”
Rest easy, Pat. You will be missed. - Crystle Skinner
Without a doubt, Ms Pat was passionate about her career and her students. She silently provided so many students with assistance beyond the classroom and academics.
To me, Ms Pat was much more than a colleague. We shared so many conversations about books, about our families, and about our lives. She was at my wedding and one of the first people I talked to after I became a mom.
I was fortunate enough to grow up being able to call Pat’s daughter, Vicki, my friend. Pat was beyond proud of and so in love with Vicki. She cherished any time they were able to spend together.
Ms Pat, you will be so very missed.
-Brittany Riese
When I found out I would be working at Grice Middle School, I was somewhat apprehensive, having only worked at the elementary level. On my first day there, after the “Welcome Back” breakfast and staff meeting, I saw a friendly face waving at me - it was Pat. She remembered me from my days working as a substitute. She escorted me around the building, introducing me to some of the teachers with whom she worked. She then introduced me to the other ed assistants and showed me the various areas throughout the school.
I will never forget Pat’s kindness and friendliness in welcoming me into the “Grice Family.”
I hope you are resting in peace. - Marge Prokop
Miss Pat, as we all called her, will always be remembered for her kindness at Grice. She would go out of her way to watch over the students. I'll remember her always with a coffee cup in hand strolling into the room. If I wanted to know what was happening in Grice outside of my classroom she would clue me in. Actually, she would do that even if I didn't want to know, especially then.
It was so sad that we fell out of touch. I am sure she is in heaven in the special section devoted to Philly fans.
-Richard C. Kelly
Pat,Please know that I am thinking of you and extend my condolences and prayers to you and your loved ones during this difficult time. Words will never be able to express my sorrow over your loss. May you find comfort and strength in the warmth and caring of friends and family.
I had the privilege of working with Pat in inclusion classes at Grice Middle School. I will always remember her fondly as a dedicated coworker. The students will always remember her as someone who cared deeply about each of them.
My sincere sympathy.
-Darvis Holley
Vicky, I am sending condolences for the loss of Miss Pat. I will keep you and your family in prayer.
DuJuan Jackson
Ms. Pat was one of the first people who I met at Grice. I remember telling her that my Mom and her shared a name. I felt as if I had known her for years because she was so open and warm. She was my assistant for many years and we shared so many stories and laughs. She genuinely cared about each of the students and would tend to go with a group who needed guidance and help. The kids also loved her humor and wit. She always asked about my family and my kids and we talked about motherhood and she would tell me memories about her daughter, Vicky. She always talked Phillies in the spring and our shared favorite player, Ryan Howard. We would have a lot to talk about the day after when he would hit homeruns and I even sent her a picture of his Florida house when I drove by it and she loved that. She didn’t miss a beat with our inside jokes, one in particular when she took a photo for me at one of the dances. She always made me giggle. I will miss you Pat and think of you at the corner of B-Hall J where we shared a memory. Rest in peace, Grice will miss you very much.
~Megan Wilson
I worked with Pat a few times over the years. I remember her always being cheery in the classroom and very kind to the students. If the classroom was a mess after some crazy lab we did, Pat stayed to help me clean up. She loved walking around the room to compliment the kids on what they were working on. Whenever I passed her in the halls, she would give me a smile and a kind word, every time!. She always lit up when she talked about her family and how much she cared for them. Pat will be greatly missed in the halls of Grice Middle School. It won’t be the same without her.
~ Maria Cesaro-Golding
