Patricia McClean McCann
Obituary
Patricia (Pat) McLean McCann, (a.k.a. Dorothy Patricia McCann) passed away at age 93 at St. Anne’s Hospital (a.k.a. Highline Hospital), Burien, Washington state on February 27, 2023 of complications of cardio-vascular disease.
She was born in Grand Ledge, Michigan to Archie L. McLean and Dorothy Wolf McLean on April 27, 1929. She spent most of her childhood in Traverse City, Michigan, where both her parents were teachers. She visited with her favorite Aunt Mabel (Muzzy) many summers, sometimes with her younger sister, Jean Ellen McLean. After being a cheerleader and valedictorian of her high school class, she attended the University of Michigan, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications. She joined Gamma Phi Beta sorority and Phi Beta Kappa also.
Her marriage to Thomas James McCann took place on March 1, 1953 and continued until his passing in 2016. At first they lived in Detroit, MI where Michael James was born. While he served in the Army in Korea, she stayed with her Mother-In Law (Della) in Grindstone City. Later they moved to Seattle, WA where Jean Ellen was born; William Thomas arrived in Traverse City, MI. They stayed a while in Phoenix, AZ; and then went back to Seattle for the aerospace business.
They joined Normandy Park United Church of Christ on the second move to Seattle in 1965. Patricia served for many years as the head of Christian Education for children, eventually taking on other positions serving the congregation, including as Moderator.
Tom and Pat climbed mountains together, including Mt. St. Helens before the top blew off. They participated in hikes and skiing with the Mountaineers (club) and took the family on many camping trips which often included fishing.
After gaining her teaching certificate at CWU in the late 70’s, she was employed by the Highline school district. While living in Yakima she worked with continuity at PBS station KYVE. Pat supported her children’s music, sport and scout activities. She thrived on getting deep into the political issues of the day, and enjoyed thoughtful discussions.
After retiring from teaching, she enjoyed visiting with Tom many locations in the USA and around the world. She was also active in the League of Women Voters, Artists United, several gardening groups, the Seattle Art Museum Guild and the Washington Park Arboretum groups. We are fortunate to have some of her paintings and fused glass. She also enjoyed attending Seattle Symphony and Seattle Opera events with friends. Her hearing was described as ‘almost bat-like’ by an audiologist and was not lost into her later years, despite living near the airport.
Tom and Pat enjoyed going to their high school and college reunions in Michigan, particularly after the 50th in 1997.
Though her spouse, sister and older son passed on earlier, Pat is survived by a son, William T McCann; daughter, Jean M Lund (Jay R); Three grandchildren (J, John & Morgan) and three step-grandchildren (Schayla, Chelsie & Christian); three nephews, 3 grand nephews and 1 grand niece and 1 step great grandson. She grew very attached to her caregivers in Memory Care at Judson Park, often saying that she felt well cared for.
Her Memorial Service will be held at Normandy Park Church of Christ on March 25 @1pm. Internment at Tahoma National Cemetery TBD.
Though Mother enjoyed receiving flowers and arranging them for the altar, she was also frugal and pragmatic. Please consider a gift to: Des Moines Area Food Bank, dmafb@hotmail.com or http://myfoodbank.org or to Medic 1 Foundation: mediconefoundation.org or to your preferred charity.