FRANKLIN – A beautiful flower whose color and brilliance touched so many lives across 87 years, has faded and fallen to earth. A gentle west wind has lifted our lovely flower heavenwardly.
Patricia Pettigrew Beran was a daughter of the Midwest. Her early homes were in Highland Park, Michigan; Glen Ellyn, Illinois; Oxford, Ohio; and Chicago, Illinois. Patty’s early life was one of academic and athletic achievement while simultaneously overflowing with friendships.
Throughout the ensuing years the friendships continued to increase and, characteristically, Patty generously gave her multiple gifts to those who surrounded her.
Professionally, Patty was a social worker in Chicago, Illinois, from 1956 until the birth of her first child in October 1958.
Patty was a teacher for 29 years, mostly in middle school, in Weston Connecticut. In 1998 she left innumerable devoted former students and many teaching associates.
Patty was a Macon County resident for the past 20 years during which time she made significant contributions to the community: League of Women Voters; Guardian ad Litem; monthly forum; teacher of English to young Hispanic people; The Banquet Table, and seven years of volunteering for home delivered meals (Meals on Wheels.)
At the time of her death, Patty left her husband, Milo Beran; her son, Peter M. Wroe, her daughter, Polly Knowles; Polly’s husband, Joe Knowles; three grandsons, Timothy Knowles, Jess Knowles and Cameron Knowles; additionally, Patty left Milo’s children and grandchildren, two brothers-in-law, two sisters-in-law, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Great numbers of special friends remain today, only one is named herein: Tony Bashir. Tony was spiritually, emotionally and physically uplifting for Patty throughout difficult and sad passages of her life.
Patty experienced deeply felt losses during her lifetime, particularly, her son, Michael Wroe, her sister, Judi Gilbert, her parents, Robert and Janice Pettigrew, Alberta Bowes and Londo Dominici, husband of Sharon Dominici.
Patty was passionate about all aspects of life. Among her many endeavors and passions some were of significant importance: Motherhood, in all its multi-faceted components, teaching, developing and maintaining friendships, and Spanish language and culture.
There will be two lasting memories of Patty: Patty’s unique ability to recognize and stand with those whom society has shunned, ignored, or marginalized; and Patty’s genuine and incomparable smile.
Goodnight Sweet Girl.