Pat was a lifelong resident of Staten Island and attended Notre Dame Academy and earned her bachelor’s degree in English from St. John’s University. She was a naturally inspired teacher who also pursued her lifelong passion as an artist. 

After teaching for many years in the NYC school system and raising her three sons, Pat concentrated on developing her skill as a watercolor artist. She attended the Art Students League in Manhattan and perfected her specialization in Chinese watercolor techniques by participating in several university sponsored art trips to China. She continued teaching at Art Lab at Snug Harbor and for the UFT and her works have been exhibited in numerous galleries in New York City including the Salmagundi Art Club. 

Pat was well known by her family and friends for constantly sending individually painted cards tailored for each person and always including inspirational quotations. By doing that, she found a unique way of combining her lifelong love of painting and teaching and sharing her gifts with others. Her cards have been treasured by many as reminders of how she expressed her love.

After their son Christopher died, Pat and Peter decided to start the CWF as an effective way of continuing Christopher’s focus on helping students in need. She served as Vice President of the Foundation from its inception in 1999 until her passing in 2018.