Obituary: Patricia Rita (Lawson) McCormack, age 76

Patricia Rita (Lawson) McCormack, age 76, entered eternal rest on April 12th, 2013 at her Milford home, after a long and courageous fight against cancer.

Pat was born February 19, 1937 in McAdoo, PA to the late William and Genevieve (Post) Lawson and moved to Bridgeport / Stratford area in 1942. After graduating from St. John Nepomucene Commercial High in Stratford (1953), Pat started her career working as a statistical clerk at Traveler’s Insurance before moving on to Avco Lycoming.

Throughout the 1950/60’s, Pat lived in Stratford, Bridgeport and Stepney, Fort Bragg, NC then settled for 20 years in Trumbull to raise her family with her late ex-husband James McCormack, Sr. (dec’d January 1994).

She is survived by her older brother William Lawson, Jr. of Florida; six children: Mary Ellen McCormack of New Hampshire; Julie and Thomas Altoonian of California; Michael McCormack of California; Joanne and William Baker of Massachusetts; James and Stacy McCormack of Maryland; and Paul and Melissa McCormack of New Jersey; as well as 13 loving grandchildren: Lauren, Genevieve and Amy Wargo; Thomas and Gregory Altoonian; Victoria, Emily, Elizabeth and William Baker; Keegan and Caylee McCormack; and, Matthew and Rebecca McCormack.

As a mother, Pat was a strong advocate for education and leveraging her fierce determination. She earned her Associates Degree in Accounting after years of night school while raising her children. It’s no wonder that the majority of her two decade career as a State of Connecticut employee Pat spent virtually all of it in State run schools, finally retiring in 2003 as the Fiscal Administrative Officer for Bullard-Havens Technical High School in Bridgeport.

Pat loved the academic atmosphere, engaging with administration and the student body. She continued her quest to learn after retirement when she moved to Milford, taking a variety of classes at the Senior Center… from computers to Yoga!

She was extremely proud that her six children all achieved college degrees and was vocal that her grandchildren keep a thirst for knowledge as well.

Friends and family are invited to a funeral mass to celebrate Pat’s life at St. Gabriel Church, 26 Broadway, Milford (06460), at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 22. According to her wishes, a future, private interment will be conducted by Pat’s children and grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations to support the organization and compassionate professionals that helped Pat and her family in her final days can be made in her memory to The Connecticut Hospice (www.hospice.com), 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405. For those separated by distance or ill health, please pray the Infant of Prague Novena Prayer in memory of Patricia Rita.

Arrangements are being handled by The Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad Street at the Milford Green. There are no calling hours. To leave online condolences please visit www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.