Obituary of Patricia Kathleen McClure

Mrs. Patricia Kathleen (McHugh) McClure, 89, formerly of Benson and Tucson, completed her earthly journey peacefully in her daughter Jan's home near Aztec, New Mexico September 17, 2014. Her journey began March 15, 1925 in Youngstown, Ohio, first-born child of Michael and Mary McHugh, giving us all the chance to celebrate St. Patrick's Day for three straight days. Her family, including 6 younger siblings, moved to Pittsburgh, PA, where, following her high school graduation, she worked in an insurance office during World War II. As part of her war effort support, she began writing letters to a young Pennsylvania paratrooper, who was then in the thick of bitter jungle fighting in New Guinea and the Philippines. They began dating after the war, and married in October 1947. Her new family kept growing until 6 children had arrived over 17 years. The saga included moves from Pennsylvania to Phoenix, AZ in 1959, to El Cajon, CA in 1966, finally landing in Benson in 1984. Pat and her husband, Ray, were retired by then, but a lifetime of hard work and sacrifice for her family did not slow her down. She embraced her new community, volunteering at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, where she lectured, sang in the choir, was a traveling Eucharistic Minister, and worked in the parish office. If that were not enough, she also volunteered at the Benson Hospital, eventually becoming the auxiliary president. Many happy family reunions and memories came from their home in Benson. After her husband's passing in 2002, she moved into a brand new home in Tucson, near her daughter Jan's family. The past two years were spent in the loving care of her daughter, Sandy, in Ventura, CA. She realized her final wishes, and spent the last two months with Jan and her husband, John, near Aztec, NM. Pat lived a long life, full of faith, love and perseverance. She experienced and endured much, but rarely complained, focusing her attention on her large and extended family, living throughout the US. She is survived by her children, Bob (Ardie), Gene (Donna), Sandy (Neal) Lassila, Jan (John) Walker and Kelly; by her siblings John (Mary) McHugh, Sr. Dolores McHugh, Eileen Navins, Frank McHugh and Dolores Falconer. She also leaves behind 10 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and countless nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Margaret, husband Ray, daughter Maureen and granddaughter Sarah. The family would like to thank Guardian Angels Hospice in Farmington, NM for providing excellent care and especially her caregiver, Shanlynn Haines for her loving devotion. Visitation 5 - 8pm, Rosary @ 7pm at Adair Funeral Home, Dodge Chapel on Tuesday, September 23. Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 24 @ 10 am at St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church, 1375 S. Camino Seco, Tucson. Internment immediately following at Southern Arizona Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Sierra Vista alongside her husband and daughter. Donations in Pat's name, honoring her lifelong spirit of volunteerism may be given to one's favorite charity.