Obituary of Patricia L. McVannan

Endicott - Patricia L. McVannan, 84, of Endicott, NY, passed away at home on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 after a courageous fight with Glioblastoma. Patricia was predeceased by her parents, S. Spearman and Mary Belle Lancaster, her husband, Roger McVannan, brothers Roger and Alex Lancaster, and grandson, Thomas Colling. She is survived by daughters, Mary McVannan McCue, Elizabeth McVannan Lynch, and Maureen (John) Colling; grandchildren, Meghan McCue, Nicholas (Madison), Brendan (Abigael Gorman), and Aidan Lynch, Emma, Jack, Lily, and Ava Colling; sisters, Mary Eloise and Avis and brother, Spearman; in-laws, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and former son-in-law, Timothy McCue. As anyone can tell you, while Pat lived for many decades in New York, she was a Marylander at heart. A graduate of both Hood College and Syracuse University, she spent the majority of her career teaching 9th grade Global History at Maine-Endwell High School. While teaching was her job, learning was her greatest hobby; from book swaps with her beloved bridge group to exploring the world and other cultures. During her tenure at Maine-Endwell, she wanted to be in a position where she could fight for the rights of her fellow teachers. From winning paid maternity leave after she was denied it, to leading successful contract negotiations as the president of the teacher's union, she was known for her tenacity and unrelenting support of her colleagues. Her love of politics, government, and her strong sense of community led to over a decade as a Trustee for the Village of Endicott. Teaching threaded its way into her life in a new way over the past few decades in the form of her greatest joys: her grandchildren. From sporting events to musicals, Grammy could always be found cheering, and sometimes yelling, at referees' bad calls in a variety of sports. She brought numerous smiles, dropping off her weekly homemade treats, listening to their adventures and lending a sympathetic ear when needed. She was also an avid gardener, and enjoyed spending time planting flowers and trees with them. Her love was deep, and she will be dearly missed. Throughout her life, and especially over the past five months, she was surrounded by love. From family and friends, to neighbors, former colleagues, past students, and constituents, her impact is felt in the community, and we appreciate the outpouring of memories to celebrate her vibrant life. The family would especially like to thank: Lourdes Hospice, the compassionate home health care workers that took care of her, Louisa Ivan, and Kathy and Vince Colling. Calling hours will be Sunday, December 26, 2021, at Central United Methodist Church, 17 Nanticoke Avenue, Endicott, NY, from 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm with a service immediately following. There will be a private burial at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Pat's name to StacheStrong, an organization dedicated to raising funds for Brain Cancer Research. To donate, please visit www.support.stachestrong.org/donate or send to StacheStrong, 511 Castleman Road, Vestal, NY 13850.