Patricia Ann Bellay

Patricia A. Bellay was born in Sharon, PA on October 24, 1938, and grew up in Cleveland and Warren, OH. She attended schools in Howland, OH and graduated from Penn Hall Preparatory School in Chambersburg, PA, in 1957. She earned a bachelor’s degree in teaching from Bowling Green State University and graduated in 1961. She taught Home Economics for two years in Chardon, OH.

On August 18, 1962 she married Lt Daniel J. Bellay USN in Warren, OH and moved to NAS Patuxent River, MD. She supported Dan’s career in the US Navy, relocating to Monterey and Sunnyvale, CA, Jacksonville, FL and Virginia Beach, VA. In Virginia Beach, she returned to her teaching career, teaching in a Catholic School and earning a Master’s Degree plus 30 hours in Education from Old Dominion University. In 1979 Dan received orders to the Pentagon and the family moved to Northern Virginia where Pat continued her teaching in elementary schools. Pat taught in the Fairfax County Public Schools for a total of 27 years; retiring in 2007.

She was proud of her Irish heritage! She was active in the community, holding office in the Potomac Woman’s Club, VP for two years and finance officer of the Linway Park Homeowners Association for fourteen years and was active in the St John the Beloved Catholic Church in McLean, VA. She was a member of the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, the Women’s Auxiliary of the National Symphony Orchestra, the NEA and the Retired Teachers Association of Fairfax County and a church wedding consultant.

She supported her parents in Warren, OH for many years of declining health; took charge of their affairs, before and after their deaths. This effort extended for many years with monthly visits to Warren addressing her parents’ health and business affairs. This effort was hers alone as she was not aided by family siblings very near her parents.

In the marriage to CDR Daniel J. Bellay, US Navy (Ret) she was the loving mother to CDR John Bellay US Navy (Ret), Amy Bellay Trevisan and Michael Bellay. She loved her children very much and supported them in music lessons, dancing lessons for Amy and swimming activities for all the children. She was the homemaker who looked forward to the holidays by decorating the home and cooking special treats that were her holiday specialties. Her hobbies and talents were shown in many home renovation projects she designed and built. She was an avid bridge player and participated in social bridge. She has five grandchildren, Zachary D. Bellay, Bethany G. Bellay, Xavier N. Bellay, Carlin G. Trevisan and Jack E. Trevisan.

A Mass of Chrisitian Burial will take place on Thursday, May 4th at 11 AM at St John the Beloved in Mclean, Virginia. A gathering will follow immediately from 12-3 PM in the Eagle Hall at St. John's. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Salvation Army in Northern Virginia or to a charity of your choice.