Obituary of Patricia M Maguire

It is with heavy hearts that we must announce the passing of Patricia Maguire, better known as Patti. Patti passed away in her home in Rockaway NJ on April 4th, 2023. In the most recent days, Patti was surrounded by friends and family as she valiantly fought a brief illness. She is at rest now with the peace of Christ now, and those she leaves behind will miss her deeply.

           Patti was born to Daniel and Marie Dooley in September of 1939 in Irvington, New Jersey. During her childhood Patti faced many obstacles, including the passing of her father, but never let them break her. She was raised alongside her brother, Daniel, by her grandmother. It was this upbringing that shaped Patti into the woman she was. Patti loved so deeply, and had a passion for helping others. She was steadfast in her beliefs and lived her life according to the good word of the Lord. It is said that Patti conducted her life according to a motto:

“For everything you take, you must give something back.”

Patti fell in love with a man named Richard, and not long after, the pair were married and began to grow their family. Patti and Dick were married for 61 years, always focused on family and their faith. They brought 4 beautiful children into the world and began to instill these ideals in them. It was these ideals that drove Patti to become very active in her community. She was a strong member of the Rockaway Township Board of Assistance and aided in providing food, shelter, and other resources to the lesser fortunate in her area. She also served in the Denville-Rockaway Jr. Women’s Club by organizing events and welcoming newcomers. Many of the friends Patti made at this club were her friends for life. Another aspect of life that was very important to her was her church; St Clement’s Pope and Martyr Church. She displayed her faith by taking charge of the altar servers, coordinating with the female congregation members, and so much more. Her depth of faith and trust in the Lord is truly inspiring.

Above all else, though, Patti loved her family. She raised 4 wonderful children that have all developed their own sense of love and care because of how she taught them. She was very invested in their lives, so much so that she ran their school’s Parent Teacher Association for some time. She contributed to their lives by starting “Project Graduation” at the local high school; giving seniors a way to celebrate their accomplishments in a fun and safe way. There was no limit to Patti’s love and kindness, and the strength of her spirit was second-to-none.

Though her passing is a pain felt by many, we take comfort in knowing that she is reunited in heaven with those who passed before her; her parents, Daniel and Marie Dooley, her dear husband, Richard Maguire, and her daughter, Nicole Dunning. It is now the task of those she leaves behind to continue to replicate her wealth of kindness in their lives. Her survivor’s include her children, Glenn Maguire (Dawn), Colleen Zester (Bill), Samantha Zaleski (Tom), her son-in-law, Mark Dunning, and her grandchildren, Marc Reeves, Trevor Maguire (Kaitlin), Brianna Bartlett (Rob), Lt. Connor Maguire (Samantha), Wyatt Zester, Erin Maguire, Zachary Dunning, Tyler Dunning, Harper Zaleski, and August Zaleski.

If you would like to contribute to her memory in your own way, please consider making a memorial donation to St. Clement’s Church. Donations can be made via inmemof.org

Hours of Public Visitation for Patti are scheduled for Tuesday, April 11th from 5 to 7 PM, with a prayer service at 5:30 PM at Norman Dean Home for Services. A funeral mass is scheduled for Thursday, April 13th, at 10:30 AM at St. Clement’s Church in Rockaway, NJ.