Patricia Ann Shawaker

Patty was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Edward and Marian Leah Pengelly and grew up in Ann Arbor with her sisters, Mary Ellen “Dee” and Barbara. There she met her husband, David Shawaker in their elementary school Principal’s office. They married on December 23, 1964, during a terrible winter storm, and shared 61 wonderful years together.

Their life together took them from Michigan to Oregon, Massachusetts, and eventually Rancho Palos Verdes, California, where they raised their children, Amy and Matt. Patty and David loved their life in Palos Verdes and built many lasting friendships with neighbors and with friends from USC. Later, Patty and David followed their children to Colorado and lived in Ft. Collins for 15 years, before moving to Green Valley, AZ. Pat loved the desert and the warm and welcoming community in Green Valley.

Education was a lifelong passion for Patty. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education at the University of Michigan and her first teaching job in Royal Oak. Later she was a teacher and elementary school Principal at Chadwick School in Palos Verdes, CA, before founding Educational and Tutorial Services, Inc, while earning her Master’s degree in Education and PhD in Educational Psychology at USC. Throughout her professional and academic career, Patty was a determined champion for discouraged students, dedicating her doctoral work to proving that a child’s self-belief is fundamental to their success. Her commitment can be seen every time a teacher helps a frustrated middle schooler replace “I’m not smart enough” with “I just need a different strategy.”

After retiring, Patty devoted herself to gardening, art, crafts, and bringing family and friends together. As a Master Gardener, she took great pride in her gardens in Colorado and Arizona. Her family fondly remembers Thanksgiving holidays with highly-competitive Bingo, and "the Craft Lab", where she set up elaborate craft projects for everyone to enjoy.

Most of all, Patty loved spending time with her grandchildren. She hosted “Camp G&G”, with tea-parties, fairy books, and countless memories playing dress-up. She loved watching her grandchildren grow and was immensely proud of each of them.

Patty is survived by her husband, David; daughter Amy (Matt) Arnett of Acton, Massachusetts, and grandchildren Lauren, Megan, and Courtney; son Matt (Amanda) Shawaker of Denver, Colorado, and grandchildren Jake and Sophia; sister Dee (Mary Ellen) Geiger and her family; and extended family and friends who loved her dearly.

Patty will be remembered for her warmth, creativity, generosity, love of learning, and devotion to her family.

In lieu of flowers, please send cards or messages with your favorite stories and memories of Patty to the addresses below. Her family will gather these messages to share at a celebration of life to be held at a later date. Email [email protected]