Patricia Karro Gorelick

Patty attended East Mecklenburg High School and Women’s College of the University of North Carolina, from which she graduated in 1960. In 1962 she married Bill Gorelick of Charlotte, and together they celebrated a lifelong love affair. Patty taught young students in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School system before starting a family of her own, and she later worked as an interior design professional and community volunteer. Leadership and generosity were among her hallmarks, both in the Charlotte Jewish community which she held so dear, and in the greater world where she did so much good. As a young woman, Patty was a member of the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization, where she was elected chapter Sweetheart. Later in life, Patty served as President of Hadassah, the women’s Jewish organization, and she was an active and engaged member of Temple Israel. Patty’s devotion to intellectual life and the arts was legion. She was a founding member and President of the Founders Circle of the Museum of Craft + Design, and she also helped found and served as President of the Learning Society of Queens College. Patty assembled an extraordinary collection of Bakelite decorative jewelry that was placed on exhibition at the Mint Museum, and together with Bill, she established numerous art galleries at Central Piedmont Community College. Her contributions to other institutions are varied and many, and Charlotte is more vibrant thanks to her energy and commitment. Patty was a class act. She personified grace and elegance, and she never spoke unkindly to, or about, others. All who knew Patty will sorely miss her extraordinary sense of style, keen intellect, persistent curiosity, sensitivity, wisdom and generosity.

Mrs. Gorelick is survived by husband, Bill Gorelick; brother, Marshall Karro; three children, Todd (Stacy), Rael (Gabi), and Marcelle Gorelick; and ten grandchildren, Henry, Adelaide, Jack, Charlie, Adina, Lilah, Lulu, Spear, Clifton and Shirley.

The funeral service will be held at 1:30 pm on Friday, January 13, 2017 at Temple Israel, 4901 Providence Rd., Charlotte, with Rabbi Murray Ezring officiating. Interment will follow at Hebrew Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Temple Israel.