Patricia Josephine McIlveen

Patricia Josephine McIlveen died on September 6, 2024 after a sudden illness. She was a loving wife, mother, nana and a gifted entrepreneur, teacher and champion of early childhood education. 

On October 3, 1944, Patricia was born in Luton, Bedfordshire (England), the youngest of Grace and David McCormick’s eight children. She proudly attended Luton High School for Girls and later became the youngest stewardess at Britannia Airlines. While on a trip to visit a friend in the US, she met her husband to-be, John Charles, the first night she arrived. Even during Patricia’s hospitalization before she died, she kept telling anyone around that she still loved her handsome husband. Over 57 years of marriage, Patricia and John lived in several states, had many adventures and they gave their children, John William and Sarah Grace, loving childhoods full joy and growth.

Patricia was the engine of the McIlveen family and excelled at anything she tried. In addition to the care and guidance she gave her family, she also showed her strength by pursuing her education while raising her kids and running a growing childcare business. Patricia earned an Ed.D. at Portland State University. She was a faculty member at Clackamas Community College for 16 years and served as Department Chair for the Department of Human Services. She built up the Early Childhood Education Program and made it a model of best practices. Patricia, or “Dr. Mac” as her student’s called her, opened doors for her students and all around her. She was a true mentor and an extraordinary mother.

Patricia leaves behind her husband, John Charles, her children John William (Mireya), Sarah Grace (Deb) and her treasured grandchildren Daniel, Cassandra and Thomas. Patricia’s dear family in the UK and around the globe are also honoring the life of their little sister, godmother and Aunt Pat.

Please join us in celebrating Patricia’s life on Thursday, October 3rd (3pm) at All Saints Episcopal Church (4033 SE Woodstock Blvd, Portland, OR 97202). This would have been Patricia’s 80th birthday, so please join us for a reception after the service for cake and remembrances.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift to the All Saints Episcopal Church Woodstock Pantry or the Clackamas Community College Student Opportunity Fund.