In Memory

Patricia Zainey



 
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03/24/13 02:58 PM #1    

Kim Fahrney (Irwin)

 

http://www.lifestorynet.com/memories/4083/guestbookPatricia Zainey
 
Mar 24th 1954 - Aug 17th 2004
 
 

03/31/13 07:12 PM #2    

Sheryl (Sherry) Stevens

LIFESTORY:

Patty believed that everyday was a great day. More than anything, she wanted people to be happy and see the world as optimistically as she did.

1954 was a landmark year in American history, especially for children. It was then that the Supreme Court unanimously banned racial segregation in public schools, giving children of all races the chance to learn about the world together. In medicine, Dr. Jonas Salk began delivering the first polio vaccines to children. In the years to come, the vaccine would protect millions of children from this debilitating disease.

These issues were very relevant to Frederick and Marian Zainey, who were in the midst of raising a family in West Point, New York. Frederick had made the Air Force his career, advancing to the level of Lieutenant Colonel. He and Marian were devoted to all their children, particularly Patricia Anne, a bright and bubbly girl who was born on March 24, 1954.

Soon after birth, Patty was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Although she had to face the effects of the disorder, Patty had a positive attitude. She participated in all the activities little girls love, like sports and music. In fact, playing “Birch Canoe” on the piano and singing were two of her favorite things to do.

Patty also became active in Girl Scouts. Her mother, Marian, even served as a troop leader. The meetings and camping trips gave Marian and Patty a lot of mother-daughter time together, and they formed an incredibly close relationship.

Graduating from Beavercreek High School in 1973 was an exciting event for Patty and her entire family. To mark the occasion, her parents bought her a beautiful class ring. It became an important symbol to Patty, who wore the ring everyday.

After graduation, Patty began working as an assembler at Green Inc., a county shelter work shop for the disabled. She loved the people there, and they loved her as well. They were her proud supporters when she entered the Special Olympics, which were held in nearby Dayton, Ohio.

Besides the Olympics, Patty participated in many other things as well. She loved both bowling and bingo, and played these games as often as she could. Every Thursday, she bet her money on bingo. Oftentimes, she won nearly $1000 in a month.

Faith was another important part of Patty’s life. Not only was she a devout Catholic, she knew all the holy days and the dates on which they were celebrated. She also became a member of the Catholic Women’s Association, where her mother served as president.

At home, Patty loved spending time with her pets. She had a sheep dog named Jasmine, a mixed breed pit bull named Prince, and a cat named Tigger. All three animals connected with Patty’s gentle spirit and kindness.

Home was Patty’s favorite place to be. There, she could be surrounded by the pets and people who brought her life joy. She knew all the family birthdays and anniversaries, and was the first to remind everyone of these dates. Whenever the family got together, Patty would go out of her way to help. She did housework without being asked and refused to let anyone help her.

After her parents passed away, Patty began ending her daily diary entry’s differently than she ever had before. She always closed with, “Mother and Father, I can’t wait to be with you.”

Throughout her life, Patty never yelled, screamed, or complained. Her positive, energetic attitude brought happiness into many lives. She gave much more to society than she received, yet she would have had it no other way. Patty’s kind presence will be greatly missed.

Patricia Anne Zainey died August 17, 2004. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick A. and Marian L. (Donnelly) Zainey, and her brother, Frederick A. Zainey Jr. Members of her family include: Thomas C. Parry of Cameron, Ohio, Daniel L. Parry of Beavercreek, Ohio, Suzanne M. Zainey Marshall of Fishers, Indiana, David A. Zainey, M.D. of Enon, Ohio, Mary Zainey Townsend of Indianapolis, Indiana, twelve nieces and nephews, and five great nieces and nephews.

Memorial Mass will be held in Emmanuel Catholic Church, 149 Franklin Street, Dayton, Ohio on Monday August 23, 2004 at 10 a.m. with family greeting friends at 10 a.m. Inurnment will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Dayton, Ohio. Memorial contributions may be made to:

American Stroke Foundation

11902 Lowell

Overland Park, Kansas 66213

or

Special Olympics of Ohio

3303 Winchester Pike

Columbus, Ohio 43232

(Taken from LifeStoryNet.com) which was referenced by Kim Irwin.  Thanks Kim!  I thought this needed to be shared with everyone because so many of us did not know Patty.  After reading this, I wish I would've known her better. (Sherry)


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