Patricia Moran O’Dea, 93, of Warren, PA., died Wednesday morning, April 12, 2023, at John and Orpha Blair Hospice Home, Warren, PA., after a brief illness. Pat was born March 16, 1930, in Titusville, PA. She was the daughter of William T. and Cecelia Riesenman Moran. She has resided in Warren, since 1953. Pat’s education began at St. Titus Elementary School followed by graduation in 1948 from Titusville High School, where she was class Valedictorian. With scholarship aid, she attended Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA., where she earned a bachelors’ degree in sociology, graduating Magna Cum Laude. In 1952. She then attended the School of Social Work at the University of Washington, in Seattle, WA. During high school years, Pat worked summers as playground supervisor in Titusville, PA. Full time employment started at Hamot Hospital Pre-Natal Clinic, followed by four years at Warren State Hospital Social Service Department. After the birth of her daughters, Pat became a full time mom along with becoming active with many community agencies and activities. After her husband’s untimely death, she worked part time at the Watson Memorial Home as activities director of the home. When the Social Service Department at Warren General Hospital was initiated by Nelson Johnson, Pat assisted him and later became a full time Warren General Hospital employee as Social Service Director and Director of Volunteers, a position which she held until her retirement in 1995, ending 26 years of hospital employment.
Pat’s main goal in life was to help others, especially those with special needs and interests. She was active and at time board member of Girl Scouts, Warren Mental Health Association, Warren Y.W.C.A., American Cancer Society, Warren Red Cross, Business and Professional Women, Warren Zonta Club, Children and Youth Services, Experience Inc., and Hospice of Warren County. She was an original member of the committee which founded the local Hospice and received special volunteer training at the Hospice of Marin in San Francisco. Pat was awarded “Volunteer of the Year” for community service by the Business and Professional Women and later by the local Y.W.C.A. Through her involvement with Warren General Hospital Auxiliary, Pat was able to obtain the auxiliary’s financial support for the lifeline program. Church, family, and friends were of the utmost importance to Pat. Since living in Warren, Pat has been active in St. Joseph Church, where she and George were married August 28, 1954. Under the supervision of Fr. Rocco Tito, Pat and George organized the Catholic Youth Council for Warren County Jr. and Sr. High School students, for their efforts, they received a prestigious award from former Diocese of Erie Bishop John Mark Gannon. Pat’s sense of humor was an attribute greatly appreciated by both family and friends. That, along with deep faith, enabled her to cope with difficult times as well as to enjoy a lifetime of much happiness. Being a grandmother and being a part of their lives topped her list of blessings. Her home was always open to the “grands” and their friends, all of whom knew her as “Nana.”
As the family budget manager, Pat took a series of serving lessons which enabled her to make clothing for herself, family, and many friends. Using her mother’s antique Singer sewing machine, she found joy in creating fashions and home décor. She enjoyed playing bingo at the Warren Eagles Club with her daughters.
European tours, island cruises, cross country trips, vacations in Canada and two weeks in Ukraine with Nestor and his family afforded her many outstanding memories. Her main pastimes included seasonal decorating, crafts, reading, play cards and crossword puzzles.
Pat firmly believed in celebrating the life of a loved one at the time of death and times that follow. She hopes her family and friends will focus on the happy times during the long life she was given.
Pat is survived by her 3 daughters – Kathleen O’Dea-Wiles and husband,
Kevin, of Warren, PA., Karen McLaughlin and husband, George “Grizz” of Youngsville, PA., Maureen Berg of Warren, PA.,
3 grandchildren – Ashley McLaughlin, Alexander, and Lindsey Berg, 3 Nephews – John Erickson, John Gifford, Paul Gifford and niece, Barbara Gifford Dugger. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George F. O’Dea, Jr. who died at the age of 38, on March 21, 1970, her very closest friend, Dr. Nestor Kohut on October 12, 2012, 1 Grandson – Zachary McLaughlin, 2 Sisters – Rita Gifford, Jean Erickson.
Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA., on Thursday, April 13, 2023, from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. and Friday, April 14, 2023, from 9:00-9:30 A.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted on Friday, April 14, 2023, at 10:00 A.M., at St. Joseph R.C. Church, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue West, Warren, PA., with Fr. Richard C. Tomasone, Pastor, officiating. Interment will be in St. Joseph R.C. Cemetery, Warren, PA., Those wishing to place memorials may do through Hospice of Warren County, www.hospiceofwarrencounty.org 1 Main Street, Warren, PA. 16365 or St. Joseph School, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue West, Warren, PA. 16365 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, stjude.org 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
Girls
I didn’t know…God bless you all; you were extremely fortunate to have her for a mom <3
Pat was the kindest, most loving person and ever knew.
I pray her beautiful smile and happy memories help to keep a smile on your hearts. I am lifting prayers for all of you to find the strength and peace to carry-on, knowing that she will be with you every day in the smallest ways, and when you least expect it.
My sympathies to all the family! I remember your mom from many years ago. She was a wonderful woman! She was friends with my Parents Peter + Debbie Scalise. My Dad was a social worker at Warren State Hospital with Nelson Johnson. In time may all the wonderful memories out weigh the sorrow. Thoughts and prayers!
I remember the O’Deas from St Joes School, where I was often the 8 th grader staying with the daughters’ classes at lunch time. I often drove by their house in North Warren, since I grew up on the grounds of WSH. Mrs. O’Dea was always such a nice person, and she’ll be missed. This posting also reminds me that I grew up with Nelson Johnson living down the street from me on the WSH grounds. Good memories. We are always too young to lose our Mom.
Karen, Maureen, Kathleen, I am so sorry for you lose. There is no one in the world like your mom. My prayers are with you. May God bless you. Kerrie Crane
Pat was my supervisor, my mentor and my friend so many years ago. I watched her constantly. She was so dynamic, generous, welcoming. Her compassion, humor and sensitivity were mesmerizing. I so wanted to be like her. But she was one of a kind and I am glad I knew her. To her daughters…she loved you so.
Pat, what a lovely lady, a generous and gentle soul.
Her smile will stay with me.
I enjoyed our Mondays with our wing nuts for years at the corner stone.
Pat, you and your beautiful family are in my heart.
You accomplished much in your lifetime.
Rest in peace my friend.
Although I didn’t know your mom personally, this breaks my heart. I know how close y’all were and so loving to each other. My prayers are with each of you.
To Pats Family,
I offer my sincere condolences on your loss.
I met Pat through my son and she was always glad to see me.
A wonderful person.
Charles Bennett
Thinking of you ladies….prayers to you all….I know she will be dearly missed….
So sorry to hear of your loss. Sending prayers to the family
I am so sorry I never meant your mom she definitely had a wonderful life and was so talented in so many ways. Thinking of all of you in the days to come.
Girls I never had the privilege to meet your mom, but pictures, snapy dresser, hair, nails, everything in prefect place including her heart. You could see the love of family she had for all of you, I’m so sorry for your loss, but the memories you have to share will be wonderful ,love to all of you
What an amazing legacy Pat leaves to all who knew her. She filled her 93 years with so many varied accomplishments that have impacted the lives of all who knew her. My prayers are with her family who will miss her most but have many wonderful memories to cherish
So sorry for the family’s loss of Pat. Pat was such a sweet and compassionate woman and I’m so glad to have known her in the short time I lived in Warren. I’d always feel a warmth in my heart when I’d see her as she was such a special person to have known. I will miss her.
So sorry for your loss. I remember your mother when my mother would visit her. She was a beautiful person.
So Many happy and joy filled memories of the family. Especially MEN’S NIGHTS at St. Joe’s auditorium. Love and sympathy to you.
It was with extreme sympathy and sadness that I read of Pat’s passing. Pat, George, Nestor and I were fellow employees at Warren State Hospital before Pat and I took employment at Warren General Hospital . Pat was one of the most warm, generous, caring as well as fun loving persons I have ever met. So many wonderful memories we shared. Spending time together not only at work but volunteering with so many civic, cultural and health care organizations. And who can forget the parties, picnics and dinners we shared with close friends and fellow employees? Our deepest sympathy to Pat’s daughters and family. Your Mom and Nana was one of a kind. May God bless her with eternal life and peace for a life well lived. She will live on in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Frank and Honey Stroker
I was so sorry to hear of your mother’s death. Pat O’Dea was an awesome woman and dear friend of my mother, Marian Martin Solomon. Both women taught us the importance of Family, Faith and Community.
You all are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time but know your mom now sings with the angels and is reunited with loved ones!
God Bless, Mary Martin Geckle
What an honor to have known Pat, as well as George. I worked with them both at Warren State Hospital and served on several boards with Pat. She was such a kind, intelligent fun loving person! What a remarkable life she has lived.
I am so very sorry for the loss of your sweet mother. May our Lord wrap his loving arms around each of you and carry you through this difficult time.