Patricia Ann McConaghy
Patricia Ann McConaghy , Age 93
Patricia A. (Kerrigan) McConaghy, age 93, died on Jan. 1, 2022 at St. Clare Hospital in Baraboo, surrounded by her family, she held so dear. She was a longtime resident of Baraboo and was a resident of Oak Park Place for the past several years.
Pat was born on Dec. 1, 1928 to Ray and Eleanor (Newberg) Kerrigan -- the oldest of five children. Pat graduated from Aquinas High School in La Crosse, WI in 1946, continued her education at Viterbo College and then transferred to MacPhail Music School in Minneapolis, where she received two degrees -- one in piano performance and a second in music education. She continued her education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and received a Master's degree in Education and Music in 1965. She dated Donald L. McConaghy while they were both in high school at Aquinas and they married on June 9, 1951. They celebrated 55 happy years of marriage until Don's death on Dec. 16, 2006.
Pat started a music program in Walworth County, WI, where she worked with 24 schools per week for four years. When Don returned from service in Korea, the couple moved to Madison, where he received his engineering degree at the University of Wisconsin and Pat taught in the acclaimed Nichols School in Monona Village for three years. They then moved to Baraboo, where Don began work with Mid-State Associates and Pat taught music in Wisconsin Dells for six years. Several years later, when her daughters Kelly and Kerry were students at St. Joseph School in Baraboo, Pat also taught music there for a few years. With all of her music teaching, Pat always found ways to make the material creative and interesting for her students and for the parents listening to school music programs -- never doing the same songs every year. She was even known to lead a rousing game of "rhythm band" with her young daughters and their friends at birthday parties.
Pat was an exceptionally talented pianist with a wide range, from the Chopin Nocturnes that she loved so much and played so well to the Irish-American classics such as "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" and "Danny Boy." She, Don, Kelly and Kerry produced a show of Irish songs and dances at Baraboo community functions and nursing homes for many years -- a community service that meant a great deal to Pat.
Pat and Don loved to travel, making 10 trips to Ireland alone. In recent years, Pat's travels have taken her mainly to Ohio, where Kelly and Kerry both live with their families. In fact, Pat would make that trip herself in her car well into her 80s. She was so proud of her "girls" and her grandchildren and always made that special effort to let them know that and stay in close touch.
Pat was a dedicated member of St. Joseph Church in Baraboo, where in previous years she often played the piano for community singing at Sunday Mass. She also loved golf and bridge and was a 48-year member of the AAUW and was president of the Baraboo Music Club. Pat and Don were also very active in the local Shamrock Club, with Don being named Irishman of the Year and Pat serving as membership chairman and being named Irish Rose in 1982.
Pat is survived by her daughter Kelly Kershner (Mark) and daughter Kerry Mackin
(Jamie) and six grandchildren: Caitlynn Mackin, Dylan Mackin, Conor Mackin, Clare Mackin, Daniel Kershner and Cathleen Kershner. She is also survived by a close cousin, Greg Kienzle, who became like a brother to Pat, as well as many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Don, brothers Gerald Kerrigan, Donald Kerrigan and Dr. John Kerrigan and one sister, Beverly Clement.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a gift to St. Joseph Church or the American Heart Association.
Pat was a whirlwind of positive energy and will be greatly missed by all the many family and friends who love her. We are grateful we had this time with her.
A Mass will be held January 5, 2022 at St. Josephs Catholic Church at 4:00 pm with Fr. Jay Poster officiating. Visitation will be from 3:00 pm until the time of service. Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to www.redlin-ertzfuneralhome.com
"And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand."
Condolences
Bill and Jolene Crowley January 02, 2022
Friends Baraboo , Wisconsin
Long-time friends and admirers of Pat and Don, and fellow members of the South Central Shamrock Club. She was a great person!
Patti Hanson Keamer January 02, 2022
Friend Sheboygan Falls , Wisconsin
Dear Kelly and Kerry Kate, Deepest condolences to you and your entire family. The heavens have received a gifted Irish soul. May she share her talents with them all. Patti Hanson
K Kerrigan January 03, 2022
Niece Great Falls , Virginia
Pat McConaghy, my Aunt, was a favorite of mine and of so may others too! She was a human meteor of energy, music and optimism. Prior to her husband "Hoot's" passing, Pat and Hoot's names were almost ever said separately because the two were such a wonderful couple--and singing duo. Of course, Pat and Hoot's greatest pleasure, their pride and joy, was their two wonderful daughters.
Stephanie Seefeldt January 03, 2022
friend oconomowoc , Wisconsin
Pat was always SO dear when I would come and play and sing for happy hour at Oak Park. She loved music. She was a good friend to my Dad, Ray Martens, too. She'll be much missed!
Kevin & Rosie Krueger January 03, 2022
Kevin worked with Don for many years Wisconsin Dells , Wisconsin
Both of your parents were wonderful people. We are sorry for loss and know that God is holding you in his hands.
Tracy McReath January 04, 2022
Friend and Neighbor Baraboo , Wisconsin
Both Pat and Don were wonderful people. We enjoyed so much having them as neighbors! Our condolences, Kerry, Kelly and families.
John and Judy Ellington January 04, 2022
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Our sincere condolences to Pat's dear family! She was such a bright light and bundle of energy. Her music entertained us, her bridge challenged us, her presence brought joy!! We hope her indelible personality leaves you with memories that will carry you through this loss. With love Judy and John Ellington. We will send a donation in Pat's name to the American Heart Assoc.m
Dave Farrey January 04, 2022
Childhood Friend Madison , Wisconsin
I wanted to say I am sorry about your mom's passing. I remember learning the Irish songs in class at St. Joe's and how full of life she was in teaching us. Again,my condolences,your family is in my prayers...
Marilyn finn January 09, 2022
Classmate at Aquinas high and friend forever La crosse, wi. 54601 , Wisconsin
Dear family of Pat and Don, we were classmates at Aquinas high and for many years kept our friendship alive at the class reunions in La crosse which they so faithfully attended. Many enjoyable visits and laughs! Pat always loved talking about her trips to visit the girls, Kerry and Kelly. Then the times she came to our reunions with the Holickys from Oshkosh. So much conversation….so delightful!! However, she was very modest regarding her talents. I guess we never had a piano near by either, darn! I recall her mom and dad also as they lived just a half block from us but of course, Pat was already out of the house. They were also great people as were Dons. His brother Toby was a good friend to us.. I could go on and on. No more reunions but many memories. I am sending my prayers for you and a donation to Aquinas in her memory.. my sincere sympathy, Marilyn Finn
Kids Ranch January 14, 2022
Grateful Nonprofit Baraboo , Wisconsin
Patricia was a very generous woman. She supported Kids Ranch for many years. Our condolences to her family and loved ones.
Barb Mason January 31, 2022
Daughter-in-law of LeRoy and Kathleen Mason Eagan , Minnesota
We just heard of Pat's passing on New Year's Day, and wanted to extend our sympathies to the family. We got to know Pat and Don through Glenn's folks. Long ago your folks were on a tour of NYC that my daughter and I were on - they were with the Pinions (who lived next door to the Mason's) and we were all surprised to find out we were on the same tour! Pat was a wonderful, lively person and I always enjoyed seeing her - usually at church when we were in Baraboo, and then following church at the big central table at "The Alpine"! We really enjoyed those fun breakfast with the St. Joe's gang. I found Pat's obituary so interesting, and wish I had known she was a music educator for much of her life, as I went to school at the UW for Music Ed as well. We could have had some interesting conversations about teaching music I'm sure. I hope your mom had a peaceful end to her life, and I am enjoying the thought of Kathleen and Pat being together again - some joyful reunions in heaven for sure when your mom arrived. With great sympathy, Barb and Glenn Mason