Patricia K. DeLaney

Mrs. DeLaney died on February 21, 2013, at Carolinas Medical Center. She was born March 17, 1920, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, daughter of Isabelle Whelan and Thomas Sullivan Keegan. Her husband, Charlotte attorney Ernest Stanhope DeLaney, Jr., preceded her in death.

After graduating from Simmons College in Boston, Pat had the distinction of becoming the first enlisted WAVE in the United States Navy during World War II. She eventually achieved the rank of Lieutenant, j.g. while directing the ammunition supply depot in Long Beach, CA. There, she met and married Ernie, who was a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy. Pat and Ernie returned to North Carolina at the end of the war.

Pat received a Masters Degree in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and became engaged in the civic life of Charlotte when she and Ernie moved here. She was an active member of the League of Women Voters and the Hornets’ Nest Girl Scout Council. She served as president of the Legal Auxiliary Board and was Chairman of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Youth Services Board. An avid reader, Pat was a founding member of the Friends of the Library at Queens University, regularly supporting the annual Book and Author Event.

Pat will be remembered for her life-giving and optimistic spirit. When asked about herself, Pat’s reply with a Boston accent was “I can’t complain.” Her keen mind, ever-present curiosity, legendary sense of humor, and engaging stories drew others to her and she reciprocated with genuine interest and care.

Pat is survived by her children, Patty Horsch and husband, Chris, of Chicago, and Mike DeLaney and wife, Barbara, of Charlotte; as well as six grandchildren: John Horsch (Rachel) of Oakland, CA, Peter Horsch (Dina), of Denver, CO, Stan DeLaney of New York, NY, Kate McDaniel (Rob) of Denver, CO, David DeLaney (Nicole) of Mt. Pleasant, SC, and Matthew DeLaney of New York, NY; six great-grandchildren: Caleb and Noah Horsch, Owen Horsch, Riley Grace DeLaney, and David and Benjamin McDaniel; her sister, Florence Barlow; and her sister-in-law, Marie Keegan. She is also survived by thirty-one nieces and nephews who join her children and grandchildren in considering her an incredible mentor, supporter, and example of a life lived with meaning and grace.

A service celebrating Pat’s life will be held at 10:30 am on March 9, 2013, in the chapel of Harry & Bryant, 500 Providence Road, Charlotte. The family will receive visitors following the service at the home of Mike and Barbara DeLaney.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church or to the charity of the donor’s choice.