Ethnea is survived by her husband of 60 years, Patrick, and their children, Kathleen(John) and Patrick (Karyn). She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Alexandra (Matt), Gabriella, Patrick and Callie.
While growing up in Fleetwood, England, Ethnea developed a love of teaching and helping youth achieve their potential. Ethnea, along with her sister Rose, decided tomake it her career. They began their careers at the English Institute in Naples, Italy, at which time they met their beloved husbands. Ethnea, Patrick and their family lived allover the world as they followed Patrick’s Naval career. They called many places their home including Whitbey Island, WA, Rota, Spain, Brunswick, GA, Sigonella, Sicily and Pax River, MD, where they raised their family. In 2013, Patrick and Ethnea found their dream home on a lake and retired to Chesapeake, VA.
In Pax River, MD, Ethnea spent 20 years as a teacher at Great Mills High School. During her time at Great Mills, she created the field hockey team and went on to coach the team for 15 years.
Ethnea had strong ties to her family and homeland. Over the years, she frequently traveled back to England. She often hosted her nephews, nieces, and eventually their children, wherever she lived. Ethnea was a fashion icon in her own right, never willing to be seen "underdressed," without her jewelry, matching handbags and shoes. An avid reader, Ethnea viewed the perfect day as sitting on her back deck overlooking the lake, reading a great book and admiring her garden.
A private service will be held on Friday, January 31 at 3pm at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23502.
