Patricia Ann Morello

Born in Kingston, NY, Patty grew up in the Bronx and Queens before raising her family on Long Island. In 1996, she and Carl brought their warmth, laughter, and dancing shoes south to Cary, where they spent nearly three decades building a life full of love, friendships, and game nights.

Patty was one of seven children and is survived by her sister Ellen (Jack) Venedam, brothers Thomas Lavin, Michael (Mary) Lavin, and brother-in-law Vincent Morello. In Patty’s world, there were no “in-laws” — if you married into the family, you were family. She loved her siblings’ spouses like her own brothers and sisters and welcomed her children’s spouses the same way. She was married to Carl, the love of her life, for 52 years. They adored each other completely — dancing together at every opportunity, finishing each other’s thoughts, and facing every season of life side by side.

She cherished her children, Jeneane (Josh) and Michael (Ashley). Patty was blessed with four grandsons — Jaydn, Bing, Liam, and August — who filled her days with hugs and her heart with love. She is predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Mary Lavin; siblings Mary Jane Marx, Katie Calabrese, and Kevin Lavin; and in-laws Carmine and Mary Morello.

Her faith was the foundation of her life, guiding her to see the good in everyone and to live out her belief that “to forgive is to be forgiven.” God was the center of her life, and everything she did was with the love of Christ in her heart. She lived with purpose as a true follower of Christ, and her kindness, loyalty, and grace reflected a Christ-like life.

Her love for Christ shone through not only in how she treated others, but also in the joyful, creative ways she cared for her family. Patty’s talents were many: Irish Soda Bread every St. Patrick’s Day, the best Christmas tree, a beautiful singing voice that could hush a room, the uncanny ability to rearrange a space overnight, and a mischievous laugh during card games that could terrify you and send you into hysterics all at once. She loved nothing more than gathering her family for games, where competition ran high but love always ran deeper.

Alongside her devotion to faith and family, Patty built a successful career in sales in New York before spending 18 years with RE/MAX in North Carolina. Yet even in her work, her calling was always people — making them feel welcome, supported, and loved. She also taught religion for many years, hosted Bunco nights and countless gatherings with friends, and shared her faith daily through generosity, hospitality, and compassion.

In true Patty fashion, she turned her final days into what she called her “Irish Living Wake,” soaking in every moment with her family, friends, and even the nursing staff. She was our Silver Fox — graceful, stylish, and always in charge — just ask the rest of us.

She leaves behind a lifetime of memories, a family who will miss her beyond words, and friends who were blessed to know her. And if she were here, she’d be telling us how to write this obituary — and it would probably be better. But we know she is smiling now, safe in the arms of her Lord.