Patricia Zahm McEvoy

Aug. 3, 1930 – Feb. 17, 2015

Patricia Zahm McEvoy, 84, was born Aug. 3, 1930 in Manila, Philippine Islands, to John C. Zahm and Mercedes MacDowell. John was a U.S. Naval Officer. Patricia returned to the United States at age three and received her elementary education in Southern California.

Patricia came to Southern Nevada in 1945 where she graduated from the old Basic High School in 1948. She continued her education at the University of Nevada Reno for two years. She met and married Richard McEvoy Feb. 18, 1951. The McEvoy’s had one daughter, Sandy M. McEvoy, born May 2, 1952. She later became Sandy M. Shannon and had two daughters, Lauren and Meghan Shannon. Meghan has two children, a daughter, Elle, and a son, Colin.

Ready for something new, Patricia changed her name to Tricia and left Southern Nevada in 1963 to move back to Southern California. There, she continued her education at California State University, Northridge. She received two degrees, one for Education and the other English Literature and she continued taking post graduate courses over the years.

After being inspired by her mentor, Lyle Burkholder, Tricia taught Elementary School for 45 years in the San Fernando Valley and Henderson area. It was there where Tricia earned the nickname, Mrs. Mac, from her students.

In her later years, Tricia and Richard spent a lot of time with Tricia’s long-time best friend Francis Ream, (who she originally met in 1945,) and Francis’ husband Joe. Fran was the maid of honor in Tricia and Richard’s wedding, and they remained friends for over 60 years. Some of their favorite times spent together were sharing lots of memories and laughs on the several trips they made in their RVs, across the United States.

The McEvoy’s moved back to Henderson in 2004. Tricia became ill in 2014 and passed away February 17, 2015, one day short of her 64th wedding anniversary.

Private services were held and the family has requested that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to your favorite charity. Palm Mortuary Henderson handled the arrangements.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Boulder Highway Mortuary, Henderson, NV.