Patricia Moran O’Dea, 93, of Warren, PA., died Wednesday morning, April 12, 2023, at John and Orpha Blair Hospice Home, Warren, PA., after a brief illness. 

Pat was born March 16, 1930, in Titusville, PA.  She was the daughter of William T. and Cecelia Riesenman Moran.  She has resided in Warren, since 1953.  Pat’s education began at St. Titus Elementary School followed by graduation in 1948 from Titusville High School, where she was class Valedictorian.  With scholarship aid, she attended Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA., where she earned a bachelors’  degree in sociology, graduating Magna Cum Laude. In 1952. She then attended the School of Social Work at the University of Washington, in Seattle, WA. During high school years, Pat worked summers as playground supervisor in Titusville, PA.  Full time employment started at Hamot Hospital Pre-Natal Clinic, followed by four years at Warren State Hospital Social Service Department. 

After the birth of her daughters, Pat became a full time mom along with becoming active with many community agencies and activities.  After her husband’s untimely death, she worked part time at the Watson Memorial Home as activities director of the home.  When the Social Service Department at Warren General Hospital was initiated by Nelson Johnson, Pat assisted him and later became a full time Warren General Hospital employee as Social Service Director and Director of Volunteers, a position which she held until her retirement in 1995, ending 26 years of hospital employment.

Pat’s main goal in life was to help others, especially those with special needs and interests.  She was active and at time board member of Girl Scouts, Warren Mental Health Association, Warren Y.W.C.A., American Cancer Society, Warren Red Cross, Business and Professional Women, Warren Zonta Club, Children and Youth Services, Experience Inc., and Hospice of Warren County.  She was an original member of the committee which founded the local Hospice and received special volunteer training at the Hospice of Marin in San Francisco.  Pat was awarded “Volunteer of the Year” for community service by the Business and Professional Women and later by the local Y.W.C.A.  Through her involvement with Warren General Hospital Auxiliary, Pat was able to obtain the auxiliary’s financial support for the lifeline program.  Church, family, and friends were of the utmost importance to Pat.  Since living in Warren, Pat has been active in St. Joseph Church, where she and George were married August 28, 1954.  Under the supervision of Fr. Rocco Tito, Pat and George organized the Catholic Youth Council for Warren County Jr. and Sr. High School students, for their efforts, they received a prestigious award from former Diocese of Erie Bishop John Mark Gannon.  Pat’s sense of humor was an attribute greatly appreciated by both family and friends.  That, along with deep faith, enabled her to cope with difficult times as well as to enjoy a lifetime of much happiness.  Being a grandmother and being a part of their lives topped her list of blessings.  Her home was always open to the “grands” and their friends, all of whom knew her as “Nana.”    

As the family budget manager, Pat took a series of serving lessons which enabled her to make clothing for herself, family, and many friends.  Using her mother’s antique Singer sewing machine, she found joy in creating fashions and home décor. She enjoyed playing bingo at the Warren Eagles Club with her daughters.

European tours, island cruises, cross country trips, vacations in Canada and two weeks in Ukraine with Nestor and his family afforded her many outstanding memories.  Her main pastimes included seasonal decorating, crafts, reading, play cards and crossword puzzles.

Pat firmly believed in celebrating the life of a loved one at the time of death and times that follow.  She hopes her family and friends will focus on the happy times during the long life she was given.

Pat is survived by her 3 daughters – Kathleen O’Dea-Wiles and husband,

 Kevin, of Warren, PA., Karen McLaughlin and husband, George “Grizz” of Youngsville, PA., Maureen Berg of Warren, PA.,

3 grandchildren – Ashley McLaughlin, Alexander, and Lindsey Berg, 3 Nephews – John Erickson, John Gifford, Paul Gifford and niece, Barbara Gifford Dugger.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George F. O’Dea, Jr. who died at the age of 38, on March 21, 1970, her very closest friend, Dr. Nestor Kohut on October 12, 2012, 1 Grandson – Zachary McLaughlin, 2 Sisters – Rita Gifford, Jean Erickson.

Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA., on Thursday, April 13, 2023, from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. and Friday, April 14, 2023, from 9:00-9:30 A.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted on Friday, April 14, 2023, at 10:00 A.M., at St. Joseph R.C. Church, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue West, Warren, PA., with Fr. Richard C. Tomasone, Pastor, officiating.  Interment will be in St. Joseph R.C. Cemetery, Warren, PA., Those wishing to place memorials may do through Hospice of Warren County, www.hospiceofwarrencounty.org 1 Main Street, Warren, PA. 16365 or St. Joseph School, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue West, Warren, PA. 16365 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, stjude.org 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.  E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com