Patricia (Pat) L. Oliverio, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and teacher passed away December 2, 2019 at the age of 84 in Orlando, FL. Pat was born November 27, 1935 in Montgomery, WV the youngest child of Sterling W. Leftwich, Sr. and Lillian T. Leftwich. She is preceded in death by her husband, Frank S. Oliverio as well as her parents and brothers, Joel T. (Jay), Sterling W. (Junior) and Robert L. (Bob) Leftwich and sister, Betty L. Goldsmith.
Pat was a lifelong educator after receiving her teaching degree from the former West Virginia Institute of Technology in 1958. While at West Virginia Tech she was very active on campus and was named homecoming queen in 1955. West Virginia Tech was also where she met her husband of 56 years, Frank Oliverio. Pat and Frank married in June 1959 and moved to the Washington D.C. area, where Pat taught in Maryland. She also taught in the greater Chicago area before devoting her time and energy to raising her 3 children. When Pat and her family made their final move to Corinth, MS in 1978 she returned to teaching and spent 24 years in the Corinth Public Schools. While teaching was her chosen profession, special education became her passion during her service at Corinth High School. She furthered her credentials by earning a master’s degree in special education from Blue Mountain College. Pat was somewhat of a fixture in the special education department and chose to work past her retirement age because she simply just loved to teach and had a deep desire to help all students become productive adults. She was named secondary teacher of the year by the Corinth Rotary Club in 1997, but she would say her biggest honor was the opportunity she had to teach each one of her students, all of whom affectionately called her Mrs. O.
After retiring in 2005, Pat and Frank enjoyed traveling nationally and internationally as well as spending time with their grandchildren. When Frank fell ill in 2011, Pat devoted all her time and energy to ensuring he was well taken care of and never left his side until his death in 2016. She missed Frank incredibly the last several years and now has rejoined him in eternal peace.
Pat is survived by her 3 children, Darren (Linda) Oliverio, Krista (Rick) Gammon, Susan (Frank) Santoro; her grandchildren, Nikky (B.J.) Oliverio Flores, Emily and Christopher Gammon, Michael, Matthew and Mia Santoro and great grandchild Bella Flores; as well as, 2 nephews, a niece and their families.
The family would like to express their gratitude to all who lovingly cared for Pat especially her caregiver and companion during the past year, Beverly.
A celebration of Pat’s life and funeral mass will be held Saturday, December 14 at 10 am at St. James Catholic Church with burial at Henry Cemetery and reception afterwards. Visitation will be held at St. James prior to the funeral from 9am -10am. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to St. James Catholic Church or your favorite charity.
Arrangements are under the direction of McPeters Funeral Directors, Corinth, MS.
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