Pat had a huge influence on my life and on the lives of everyone she touched. It was an amazing privilege to grow up in the fabric of Pat's world - you were always included and considered and treated as family. I will always remember parades, horse races, sleep overs, and dinners with Pat. 

Gone far too soon and I hope she knew how much she meant to us all. I'll miss her terribly.

I had the great fortune to know Pat for 10 years through the Washington Ireland Program and am grateful for all the wonderful memories. Pat was a firecracker and lit up every room with her laugh, humour and interesting stories. Her kindness is something that everyone speaks about and it radiated from her. Pat, thank you for all the guidance, support and friendship - you’re one of a kind and an inspiration to keep opening your heart to new people in your life.

My condolences and sympathy to each of you.  I also loved Pat like family,  Friends forever since we were 13, I loved her parents and was thrilled to have a younger sister and brother, Christy and Tommy then.  I have met so many of you over the years.  From Milwaukee via St Louis we visited many ties over the years.  She was Maid of Honor in my wedding, Godmother to my daughter, and one of my sons was named aftr her (she called while i was in labor and she was stuck inside the Capitol because of a bomb threat.  As she would say she was half kidding but he got "Patrick" from her. ) We talked often, and recently just before i travelled to NC to my neices' house.  I just noticed a surprise precious message from her on my landline ( which i only use to find my cell and is included with wifi).  Tonight i will toast her with one of the silver goblets she gave me for my wedding toast.  My family and I will always remember her,  Hugs and love to each of you, who as Marybeth and many of you said, Pat gathered us together.   (if it werent for covid in WI, i would be at the Memorial with you)


I knew Pat for 51 years,  She and Vickie mentored a naive 21 year old Intern who came to Congressman Bill Hungate's office in the Summer of 1970 not knowing a soul.  Pat fixed that problem real quick and continued to do so for the next 5 decades. 
 A lifelong friend, godmother to my daughter,  Pat was the nerve center of a network of intertwined friends many of whom became lifelong friends as well.   I can think of no one I ever knew who had so many quality friends as Pat.  Not acquaintances, but deep abiding friends.  We also met her family, her nieces and nephews,  sister,  brother and mother  and I even had the privilege of meeting Pat's Dad once on an enjoyable day cruising on the Mississippi River.
Maggie and I were quite happy to host Pat's 50th birthday at our house on a snowy Dec night in 1996 and we were glad when all arrived safe and sound despite Chris having a scary moment on the windy part of Kirby Road in McLean.
Today is Pat's memorial and Maggie and I are sitting in Calif. reading all the lovely tributes and looking at the beautiful photos.  Maggie, Adrianna, Nick and I wish we could be there to celebrate your fabulous life with MaryBeth, Jeanne and so many others.
It is raining here today, and you know it never rains in Sunny Calif,. which I attribute to the sadness stretching all across the world for Miss Pat's too soon departure.
Pat you left us before we could say good-bye, before we could tell you how we feel and before we could thank you for your love and friendship and the joy you brought into so so many lives from St Louis, to Ireland and back again to Washington, DC
I told Maggie that I can smile today at the thought that St Peter or whoever is in charge of discipline up there, is needing to change the curfew rules for the party that is taking place when you, your Mom and Dad and friends like Kathy H. meet up again.
Farewell for now Pat.

Pat was a wonderful godmother. She was always available and her laugh was infectious. There are so many memories from my childhood that involve Pat. 

My top ones were when she would have my brother Nick and I over for sleepovers and we would make "night night cookies" - took me years to learn that was just a way to get us to go to bed and they did not in fact need all night to cook. 

She also at one of my birthday parties dressed up and pretended to be a fortune teller. Thats just who she was a good sport who always went above and beyond for those she loved.

I will miss her and hope she knows how much she meant to me,

I knew Pat for 44 years, having met her in Congressman Butler's office in the seventies.  Through several job changes on both sides and then retirement,  our friendship stayed a very important constant.  Pat was such a loving and giving friend, always looking for opportunities to bring her large and varied group of friends together to get to know each other.  The group expanded and contracted over the years, and Pat's generosity to ALL of us was a wonderful thing to experience.  Pat, I love you and will miss you, but look forward to running into you in the future.


I first met Pat when we were neighbors in Parkfairfax. We both worked on Capitol Hill at the time, and she invited me to join her carpool.  Kathy Hannigan, Pat, and I became fast friends and we became regulars at the Irish bars.  Pat and Kathy enriched my life so much.   

When I decided to adopt a baby from Paraguay, I was met with a chorus of people telling me what a mistake I was making. Not so with Pat and Kathy.  They were both so supportive. Pat came to my house the day after I returned to meet one-year old Maura. I still remember how happy I was to see Maura sitting on Pat’s lap while Pat read to her. Maura was too young  to understand, but she clearly loved  being in the comfort of Pat s lap. 

A few years later, I adopted another baby from Paraguay, Daniela.  Pat was there to welcome us when we returned home.  
Pat held a very special place in the hearts of both of my girls.  Daniela visited Pat at the hospital the night before she died.  She loved Pat and wanted to tell her that personally. 

Pat made an impact on so very many people. She will be missed terribly, but I trust we will all meet up again. 







Pat had a fabulous gift for friendship.  She never met a stranger. I remember her constant hospitality: the  Scottish Walk parties, Christmas Eve at her Park Fairfax condo, her invitation to me to join her beach house for a summer, and Middleburg horse races.  Pat brought so many together- new people and we're now friends.  Pat also included your family, whether my parents for dinner at her condo, or the children of friends.  Pat's commitment to helping others, whether through the Jesuit volunteers or her beloved Washington Ireland Program, through which she hosted so many students who became family to her.  I am eternally grateful to my sister Gay for bringing Pat into my life and that of my family.

Just received this photo from David Hungate.   Early days on Capitol Hill...about 1971-1972.

After a close friendship of more than 50 years, it is a sad and difficult task to  try to adjust to the absence of Pat in my life. Pat had all the qualities essential to a good friendship and she was friend to many.  She made each of us feel appreciated and I believe she knew the feeling was reciprocated. My memories with her are filled with a steady back and forth flow of joy and laughter, comfort when required, sharing thoughts and support through thick and thin.  I especially appreciate those times when she would be quite justified in telling me in a disappointed or surprised voice, "Oh, Marion...," but she never did. She respected me and my thought processes, and I, hers.  I will keep her in my heart now and, sometimes, look up to the stars at night and look for one shining a bit brighter than the others, and, maybe, I will hear her laughter.

I have known Pat for over 45 years and she was a wonderful person and friend. My wife Carolyn and I will deeply miss her. May she rest in peace.

Carlos Videla

I haven't seen Pat for almost a half century, but I remember her goodness very well.

What a sweet soul.


Pat, she always answered my phone saying “It’s my favorite (fill in current age) year old!” She was so happy to talk to. 
Her social butterfly personality shown through.
She spoiled me as her niece and introduced me to all her friends and life in Alexandria. I will miss her so much. 

I am so saddened that we have lost such a wonderful, caring soul.  Pat was in my St. Joe carpool for 4 years and also attended the same grade school.  She was always sweet, funny and a part of my teenage years.  When my daughter passed away suddenly  4 years ago, Pat had a Mass said in VA and sent a video of the gospel choir singing.  It touched my broken heart in an indescribable way.  We shared several notes for the next year or two.  The photos here are so wonderful and will help me remember her great smile and her many friends.  May she have eternal peace.

I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of a beloved member of the WIP community.  Pat always brought warmth, sincerity and humor--whether it was a WIP event or an event in her beloved Old Town.  

May the road rise up to meet you...May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.

I knew Pat as host parent through the Washington Ireland Program. As a newer host parent, Pat was always generous and welcoming to me. I enjoyed attending her open-house parties for the parades in Old Town Alexandria.  Pat, you will be missed. -Monique

Happy Heavenly Birthday,  Pat!  Your  St. Joe friends will gather this week and toast you and the love and friendship you brought to us.  I am sure the road has already risen up to meet you!  RIP

I worked for Capital Hospice, I met Pat through my time with hospice.  She was very supportive & caring.  Cheryl Cole

Patty - 
I miss you and your   "I love to hear your voice and I love you" that you ended every telephone conversation we had.  You were the "Queen" of Queen Street.   Your welcoming smile, hospitality, generosity, warmth will be remembered by all who entered your door.  Because of you, my life has been richer and all those wonderful young Irish women you housed in your home  know what  it means to be a  compassionate and caring American.

May God grant you Eternal Memory.

With love,  Nonna Marincioni

Pat and I became besties when I was in seventh grade and she was, as she was quick to point out, in sixth grade. Pat loved to remind me that she was much younger than me! It was at that age that she moved into our neighborhood and she and I, along with our friend Lettie Merenda, were inseparable. We remained close friends and were there for each other at life events, such as Pat's fiftieth birthday and the weddings of my children. Pat and I both loved watching Jeopardy and Pat really loved Alex Trebek! It occured to me the other night that she has probably met him by now and he is as taken with her infectious laugh as the rest of us are. You are so missed my friend!!

Pat and I were great friends in high school and that special bond lasted all these years. I loved catching up with Pat during our many phone calls. She updated me on our St. Joe friends. Her birthday is on December 5, the same as my brother’s and I will miss reaching out to her, but will send her my love which will find her in heaven.  Continue taking care of all of us, Pat!

Pat was sweet and kind to everyone in her high school class at St. Joe's in St. Louis, where I first knew her, and she remained that way when I caught up with her later in life in the DC area and finally in Alexandria. She introduced me to so many people who became long-time friends. All of us will always remember her December parade party that spilled out on the sidewalk from her beloved home. I can't believe she will no longer open her door for me to share a glass of wine or her great cooking. 

Pat will be remembered for her exciting career on Capitol Hill, her second career in social work after earning an MSW, her work supporting young interns from Ireland, and her community volunteerism, but most of us will think of her very fondly as  simply a wonderful friend.

Since high school we were friends, even dated a few times. One of my best friends dated Patty too. We kept in touch over the years and always enjoyed her house full of friends. What a warm hearted, happy lady. We miss you Pat and are sad the pandemic prevented us from seeing you. Rest in peace, my friend.

OBITUARY

Patricia Ann McBride

5 December, 1946 – 28 November, 2021

Demaine Funeral Home

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