Patricia Ann Rooney

Obituary PATRICIA ANN MORRISON ROONEY Pat was born November 5th, 1926 in Chicago, Illinois to Thomas and Virginia Morrison and passed on October 29th, 2015 in Tacoma, Washington. She was proof that great things come in small packages! Pat loved growing up near the shores of Lake Michigan becoming a sun bunny at an early age. She enjoyed her Irish Catholic heritage and upbringing. She was big sister to Kathleen and Tom. She played sports, earned academic recognition, and was a leader; all of which she took great pride in. Those were happy busy years surrounded by extended family. Pat graduated from Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa and then Northwestern University in Chicago with a degree in Physical Therapy. She didn't have much time to work in her chosen profession, however, as she met the love of her life in college, Terrence James Rooney. They married soon after and Pat's real adventure began; they had six children over the course of eleven years! The family lived in Chicago, San Rafael, California and then Pat and Terry built their dream home together in 1967 settling in what would become University Place, Washington. The Rooney's made the most of their new life in the Pacific Northwest enjoying the outdoors. Pat and Terry were instrumental in the building of the swimming pool in their community, Beckonridge. They became active in their children's schools, St. Charles Borromeo and Bellarmine Preparatory. Most tragically, Terry Sr. passed on February 10, 1970 leaving a young widow behind to raise their brood of six, ages 7 to 18. She did what her generation did and what was her nature. She just kept moving forward. Activity was her best medicine. Pat embodied determination and resilience. She returned to part-time employment outside the home as a Physical Therapist. She took up her children's passion and learned to ski. Thursdays became her favorite day of the week during the winter as she boarded the bus with the ladies for a day of skiing at Crystal Mt. where she could also deliver lunch to her two oldest children who worked there. She studied to make a career change and become a Realtor. More tragedy followed with the death of Terry Jr. in a freak car accident December 10, 1975. Again, Pat made it through the unthinkable and unbearable. She poured herself into her new career as a Realtor and thrived on helping others make their dream of home ownership come true. Patmade wonderful friends in her colleagues and customers. They had many an adventure and misadventure together, sharing lots of laughter and fun. She was a "people" person who had the gift of gab and a seemingly endless supply of energy. She was successful and very happy as a Real Estate Agent and Broker. She officially retired at the young age of 81! Pat believed her greatest accomplishment and legacy to be her children. She was delighted to see them pursue education, careers, marriage, and family. Becoming a Grandmother to Kyle, Katie, Sean, Curtis, Connor, Kate and adopted Grandmother to Jamie brought her great joy. Sadly, Pat lost one more of her children on November 24, 2005 with the passing of Tim. Despite her heartbreak she remained committed to her faith and leaned on it, as well as, the support of family and friends to continue on. Perhaps this is when she loosened her fierce grip on independence and allowed just a bit more assistance from her surviving children. Although, she was certainly the first to say "I'll do it my way!"And she did. With love, faith, forgiveness, resilience, determination, laughter, kindness, and twinkly blue eyes that could express so much. Pat is survived by her children, Tom Rooney (Keri), Todd Rooney (Kayley), Tracy Rooney (Julie), Tricia Rooney Budd (Curt); her grandchildren; beloved sister-in-law, Margie Rooney; brother-in-law, Robert White, Sr.; as well as nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Terrence James Rooney, Sr.; and sons, Terry Rooney, and Tim Rooney. The family would like to express their deep gratitude to the staff at Laurel House/Narrows Glen and Pat's MultiCare Hospice Team for their excellent care; as well as, Dr. Stringfellow. A donation made to the Beckonridge Homeowner's Association to be used towards sustaining the swimming pool would be a lovely tribute to her (PO Box 64027, University Place, WA 98464). A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at 11:00am at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. Interment at New Tacoma Cemetery. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.