Patricia Shibuya Merritt

Pat Merritt loved her family and would light up with pride to chat about her grandchildren.

Anywhere her daughter would go, people would often say, “Your mom is so cute.”

Patricia Shibuya Merritt, 82, from Hawaii, passed away of natural causes on December 23, 2023 in her home, Raleigh, NC. She is survived by her daughter, Michele Merritt Webb and her partner Wayne Hurley. Her grandson, Zachary A. Gregory and his wife Jess Vavra and her granddaughter Elizabeth Morgan Webb. Her brothers Rogers and Floyd Shibuya.

She was born in Pahala, Hawaii on January 7, 1941 to Masazo and Kayumi Shibuya, who raised 8 (6 boys and 2 girls) children on the island of Hawaii in the small town of Nallehu on a working farm. They believed in education and leaving behind a legacy. She would speak of her father who would often “load” up the children and take to an event happening on the island where they could learn something new or how her mother would cook enough food every day for all of them. This fostered her love for reading, family and education.

She attended nursing school in Honolulu, Hawaii then married, which brought her to Raleigh, NC in 1965. She worked at Wake Medical Hospital in the operating room, where she was part of one of the first open heart surgeries in Raleigh, NC. She jumped at the chance to attend Watts Anesthesia School in 1968 with her best friend, Jean West. Graduating as a CRNA, she worked at Wake, Rex and Raleigh Community (now Raleigh Duke) for the next 20+ years along with her best friend, Jean. She loved her job with the Raleigh Anesthesia Associates and those she worked with through the years.

Pat retired in the 90s due to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis, this giving her the chance to be with her grandchildren. She was well known as “Gramma Pat” to most of the children and all of those associated at the school. She enjoyed her time with Zachary, her grandson and Morgan (Elizabeth), her granddaughter, attending their plays, choir and art shows. She loved to watch them both sing and has kept all of their art since kindergarten. The 3 of them have shared a love for reading and would spend hours at the bookstores together. Much love and laughter.

Where there was one there was other the other – her daughter, Michele Merritt Webb, would often hear, “Where’s your mom?” Pat lived with Michele most of her life and they would shop, spend time with the kids and their activities, enjoy restaurants around town and bookstores. Everyone knew she loved hotdogs – they would often have to stop at Snoopy’s of Chargrill on the way home. Stops would also include Mexica, Chinese, BBQ sandwiches, cheese fries (extra cheese please) or a pepperoni pizza (extra pepperoni and cheese) and don’t forget the tea!

In the last couple of years, Pat had to slow down and stayed home more with her daughter and Michele’s partner, Wayne and their dog Missy. As Wayne would leave the house, to say goodbye, he would tell her to “stay out of trouble.” Pat’s response, “No promises”… they would leave Missy “in charge.”

Please join us January 7, 2024, Pat’s birthday, to celebrate Patricia S. Merritt’s life at 509 W. North Street, Raleigh, NC 27603 from 2pm- 4pm at Paper Cloud Creative, her grandson’s business – she would be so proud.

Attire: Bright Colors, black is optional.

We will gather and share favorite stories, her favorite foods and remember her love for a good conversation, laughter and her sweet smile. Love you Mom.