Patricia "Tish" Wilson McGillicuddy

Patricia (Tish) Ann Wilson McGillicuddy was born on January 7, 1953, in Palo Alto California. She passed away after a brief illness on July 13th, 2023 at St. David’s Hospital in Austin, TX. Her parents were the late Rayford Haney Wilson and the late Alice Lorene DeArmond Wilson. Rayford was a cost engineer for Brown and Root, which led them to live in various places including Puerto Rico, Colorado, California, and Texas in her teen years, where she lived the rest of her life.

Tish met Daniel (Kevin) McGillicuddy in High School at 16 years of age. They went on their first date on October 17, 1969, and after college were married on December 29, 1975. Tish graduated from the University of Houston, and began her long career as a language arts teacher in the Austin area (Del Valle, LBJ, and Connally high schools, and Parkcrest Middle School). Herself a voracious reader, she instilled a passion for learning and wonder in her children and students. After retiring from teaching in 2007, Tish went on to work for Palm Valley Lutheran Church in Round Rock, Texas for a number of years, retiring in December of 2022.

Tish is survived by her husband of 47 years, Kevin, sons Sean Wilson McGillicuddy (Darcy) of Dripping Springs, TX, and Ryan Patrick McGillicuddy (Jamie) of San Marcos, TX, grandchildren Aiden, Isabelle, Rose, and Robin, who she loved to spoil, and brother Michael Wilson (Jocelyn) of Christchurch, NZ. She was preceded in death by her older brothers Baby Junior of Lenoir City, TN and Douglas Wilson (Sallie) of Houston, TX, and sisters Linda Nimori (Milo) of Layton, UT and Kathie Medlock (Michael) of Alexandria, VA. She is also survived by many loving nephews and nieces, who will remember her for her wonderful laugh and desire for everyone to have a great time at their many family reunions and other gatherings.

Known by her children’s friends as “the fun mom”, her house was a warm and welcome place for all, attracting an ever-revolving cast of kids who made it their second home. There was always a place at the dinner table for those who wanted to linger a bit longer, and especially for those with a less stable homelife to which to return. She loved road trips and traveling, which enabled her to see 49 of the states in the USA, as well as Belgium, Canada, England, France, Germany, Ireland, The Netherlands, New Zealand, and Puerto Rico. She especially enjoyed annual trips with her beloved sisters.

Tish was a member of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church for over 30 years and served the church community in many ways, including youth group volunteer, vacation bible school teacher, Flower Guild, and Lay Reader.

A celebration of Tish’s life will be held at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Austin, TX on September 9 at 1:30 pm, with a reception in Huffman Hall following the service.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com for the McGillicuddy family.