Patricia J Grenier

An extraordinary mother who selflessly gave of herself in so many Catholic (and other) charitable endeavors, Patricia J. Grenier of Potomac, Maryland passed away peacefully on August 29, 2023, surrounded by her family. Pat was 89 and died of dementia and Parkinson’s Disease related symptoms. Pat was widowed by her beloved husband, Edward, in 2021.

Pat was born in New York to Irene and Joseph Cederle, who raised Pat and her beloved sister Tippie with abundant love. Their other gifts to Pat and Tippie included a constant sense of humor and deep family values.

Pat and Ed were married for 64 years and theirs was a great love story, whose four cornerstones were faith, family, Catholic charitable good works, and summers at Cape Cod. They were completely devoted to each other and created an extraordinary marriage. They delighted in entertaining friends and family in their homes. Every summer the family gathered in Cape Cod, and Pat leaves a legacy of prioritizing the importance of family over all else. Pat and Ed left behind literally thousands of family photographs, as well as countless hours of video of almost every family holiday gathering.

Pat graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree from Adelphi College in 1956, and married Ed on June 22, 1957, just after Ed’s first year at Harvard Law School. Pat and Ed moved to the D.C. area in 1959. Pat was a devout Catholic, and she and Ed were loyal parishioners of Our Lady of Mercy Church.

Not only was Pat a philanthropist who gave generously to Catholic-based institutions, but her volunteer and charitable work was boundless. She organized and chaired galas and other charity events to raise money for many causes. Over the course of her life, Pat gave of her time to numerous causes and institutions, including: the Washington Theologian Consortium; the National Capital Lawyers Auxiliary; the DeSales School of Theology; the Connelly School of the Holy Child; Georgetown Preparatory School; Potomac Community Resources; The Hospitality and Information Service; Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind; the Xavier Society for the Blind; Volunteers for the Visually Handicapped; the Shady Grove Pregnancy Center; the Hospital for Sick Children; Parish Council for Our Lady of Mercy Church; Volunteer Braille Services; the Combined Health Appeal; Closer Look; Jackson School; and the Lions Club.

Pat’s awards include: the Insignis Medal, for outstanding service to Georgetown Preparatory School; the Super Service Award, for her service to the Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind; the Merit Award Certificate for Meritorious Service, from the National Braille Association; the Cleveland-Miles Award, from the Columbia Lighthouse, for services that improved opportunities and demonstrated the capabilities of visually impaired individuals; Volunteer Activist Award – Award for Volunteer Community Service, from the Volunteer Clearing House for the Washington Metropolitan Area.

In addition to her devoted sister Tippie, Pat leaves her beloved three children, Tori Eklund of Florence, MA, Edward J. Grenier III (Lynette) of Potomac, Peter Grenier (Nancy) of Darnestown, and six grandchildren, Sara, Kristen, Sydney, Winston, Genevieve, and Haley, and one exceptional nephew, Paul.

Pat’s greatest joy in life was the time spent with her grandchildren. She treasured every moment, and they all brought her comfort in her final hours.

Friends who would like to celebrate Pat’s extraordinary life are invited to the visitation and reception on Thursday, September 21, 2023, from 5 pm to 7 pm at Joseph Gawler’s Sons, 5130 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Washington, D.C.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington. https://www.catholiccharitiesdc.org/catholiccharitiescenter/

Funeral mass and interment private.