Patricia “Pat” Mae McGauran, 94, of Largo FL, formerly of Northfield IL, passed away on Sat., January 9, 2016.
She is predeceased by her parents Earl and Adeline “Toots” Weinstock; two brothers, Frederick and Earl “Bud” II; sister, Betty; daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Matt Erickson; and her husband of 71 years, Richard A. “Dick” McGauran. She is survived by her loving children: Richard “Dick” Jr. (Judy), Dennis (Melanie) and Elizabeth “Betsy” (Marty) Guthrie; nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.
Pat was born September 12, 1921 and graduated from New Trier High School in 1939. She married Dick in 1940. After he served overseas in World War II, Pat and Dick raised their family in Northfield where she was active in her children’s schools, the local church women’s group and enjoyed volunteering as a Cub Scout den mother and Girl Scout leader. She had many creative outlets including baking, sewing, basket-weaving and sharing astrological charts with family and friends.
After her children were grown, she worked for several years in the corporate headquarters of the Girl Scouts Association. She continued to work for them after she and Dick moved to Florida in 1978. Her daughters followed them south and she always felt fortunate to have the chance to watch many of her grandchildren and great grandchildren grow up near her.
Family meant everything to Pat and she always wanted to be there for anyone who needed her. She took pride in the size of the loving family she helped to create. She was a second mom to many lucky enough to know her. She will be dearly missed.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at The Chapel on the Hill UCC, 12601 Park Blvd., Seminole. Interment will be at the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL.
