Patricia Ann Gaffney

Patricia Ann Gaffney, age 76, passed away on Friday April 10, 2015 at her home in Bonita Springs, FL. She was born on April 7, 1939 in Rockford, IL to the late Leroy and Margaret (nee Dillon) McCarthy. Pat and her husband have resided in Bonita Springs for the past 14 years coming from Madison, WI where they resided for 35 years.

Pat first came to Madison for college and attended the University of Wisconsin. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority while in school and graduated in Education. She first taught in her hometown of Rockford and later was a teacher and the administrator for a Montessori preschool she started in Madison. Pat and her husband settled in Madison and were involved with many school, church and community activities. During the summer they have lived in McFarland, WI at the family cottage where Pat has welcomed and enjoyed many family and friends. She also volunteered with the McFarland Historical Society.

After teaching Pat changed careers and eventually retired as the General Manager for the Frederick Conference Center at the University of Wisconsin. Upon moving to Florida, she remained active as a board member for her HOA and gave her time to other groups and committees. Our family is grateful to all of you for your prayers and condolences.

Pat is survived by John, her loving husband of 53 years, her two daughters Margaret “Peggy” Gaffney of Denver, CO and Maureen “Molly” Gaffney of Madison, WI and her son Timothy Gaffney of Waunakee, WI and his family including his wife Justine and their children Jennifer and Jordan. Pat is also survived by her sister Mary Kay (George) Morrissey of Oaklawn, IL and her nieces Meghan and Colleen.

On Sunday April 19, 2015 there will be a visitation at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, from 2:00 to 4:00PM. On Monday April 20, 2015 at Blessed Sacrament Church, 2116 Hollister Ave, Madison, WI – www.blscrament.org – there will be a visitation at 10:00AM followed by a Christian Mass at 11:00AM. A luncheon will be served afterwards in the Church Hall for all who wish to attend. A private family burial service will take place on Wednesday April 22, 2015 in Rockford, IL.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital -501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN – www.stjude.org.