Patricia Gray McGaren

Patsy McGaren died Thursday, February 18, 2016, in Charlottesville, Va., after a full and busy life. She was born on March 25, 1935, in Martinsburg, W.Va., a daughter of the late William Henry Gray Sr. and Helen Virginia (Bowers) Gray. She spent her young adult life raising her four children on her own, largely in Clarke County, Virginia. Finding creative, inventive ways to support her family and keep them together was completely consuming. She did so successfully, relying on God’s help and grace to sustain her energy and strength. Thankful for their mother’s sacrifices and love, she leaves behind to miss her Michael Ray Pillion (Kelie), Cathy Pillion-Dorsey (Dan), and Rebecca Louise Mason (Freddie). A son, Robert Douglas Pillion (Kristy) died in 2007 following a battle with cancer. Patsy found her calling in nursing. She spent 12 years at the (then) Winchester Medical Center, where she discovered her passion in the newborn nursery. Once her children were grown and on their own, she moved to San Francisco, California, where daughter Cathy resided. She continued her nursing career there, providing infant care to families in their private homes. She built a reputation as an unparalleled baby nurse in the Bay Area, with far more requests than she could fill. After many years in San Francisco, including an incredible time working in Yosemite National Park, Patsy would relocate to Dallas, Texas. She immersed herself in volunteer work at the local area food bank in Grapevine, and as a crossing guard with the happiest smile and deepest tan in the school district. She would live with Cathy & family and move with them again to Charlottesville. In daily life she couldn’t imagine a day without reading, and enjoyed gardening, baking and trying new recipes in the kitchen. She felt a meal wasn’t really a meal if it didn’t include dessert. Making sweets for fellowship at church gave her great pleasure. She enjoyed music of all genres, and was especially delighted to hear grandson Garen perform in Charlottesville venues. Patsy loved her 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, and cherished family gatherings. Her big brown eyes were often full of lighthearted mischief. She was a shining example of a life well lived. Her perseverance made her strong, her thoughtfulness made her sweet, her sense of humor made her loveable, and her faith got her through it All. She is survived by her siblings William Gray Jr., Franklin Moffett, James Moffett, and Florence “Susie” (Moffett) Michaud. Preceding her in death were siblings Douglas “Sonny” Gray, Janet Rae (Gray) Streeks and Robert Gray.