Obituary of Patricia McDonald

Schenectady -Patricia Ann McDonald, 87, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 29, 2024, at the Ellis Residential and Rehabilitation Center in Schenectady. Born and raised in Burnt Hills, she was the daughter of the late Kenneth and Blanche Sheehan. Patricia graduated from Burnt Hills Ballston Lake High School (as Homecoming Queen!) in 1955, before going on to Russell Sage College and the Ellis Hospital School of Nursing, graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1958. After taking time off to start her family with her husband Tom, Pat began a long and distinguished nursing career at Ellis Hospital before moving on to and retiring from the Daughters of Sarah Nursing Home and Community for Seniors. Pat worked until the age of 80 before deciding to give retirement a try! Pat and Tom enjoyed traveling and taking annual vacations with their 5 children, every summer to Cape Cod. After their children became adults, they would still spend time on the Cape with their dear friends Bob & Eileen Poranski. Their greatest joy was spending time at the family camp on Sacandaga Lake. After Tom's passing, Pat's true joy was to be surrounded by her 5 children and their families. Pat was a long-time communicant and parishioner of St. Paul the Apostle Church in Schenectady, where she was also a member of the Rosary Society. She was a founding member of the Colonie Irish and enjoyed traveling, reading, cooking, baking, gardening, word puzzles and a nice glass of wine! All that knew her appreciated and will miss her incredible spirit and wit! In addition to her parents, Pat was predeceased by her loving husband and soul mate Thomas, who passed away in 2003. She is survived by her sons John of Galway, James (Renee) of Amsterdam, Daniel (Cynthia) of Charlton, Mark of Niskayuna, her daughter Catherine Grimm (Lincoln) of Guilderland, her loving brother James (Joan) of Colonie, brother-in-law Paul (Carol) of Niskayuna, 11 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and many more nieces and nephews. The family will receive relatives and friends Sunday, February 4, 2024, from 4 - 7 pm at Daly Funeral Home, 242 McClellan St., Schenectady. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Monday, February 5, 2024, at 10 am at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2777 Albany St., Schenectady. A private burial will take place in the Spring at the Jonesville Cemetery. The family would like to thank the staff of the Ellis Residential and Rehabilitation Center for their tremendous care and compassion for Pat for the past 5 years. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution in Pat's name, to the Lions Eye Institute, 15 Vista Blvd., Slingerlands, NY 12159.