Obituary of Patricia McGarry

On behalf of the Gray-Goldberg Residence at 410 Larry's Way, I mournfully inform you all that Patricia “Patty” McGarry has passed away in her home on Saturday morning.

Patty was born on March 10, 1937 in the Bronx, NY to Mary and Thomas McGarry.  She lived at home with her parents and went to parochial school, where she was enrolled in special education classes when she was 7.  When Patty was 16, her Mom began to worry for her safety and Patty went to live at the Willowbrook Developmental Center.  Three months later, Patty moved to Letchworth Developmental Center, where she lived, until she moved to New Hope Community in July of 1977. 

Patty lived in the “old dormitory” at New Hope Community until her home at 410 Larry’s Way was built in July of 1996.  Patty lived at The Gray Goldberg Residence for almost 27 years.  While she was living there, she developed many friendships with staff and peers and met the love of her life, Joseph Goodstein.  Patty and Joe had a beautiful fall wedding on September 13, 2003 and honeymooned in the Poconons.  Two months later, Joe passed away on November 29, 2003.  Patty was a warm, nurturing wife, friend and support for Joe. She ensured that he was taken care of and accompanied him to his Doctor appointments.

Patty was a woman of style, she loved to shop and in her younger years was known for her pocketbook collection, as well as her jewelry.  She had a pocketbook for every occasion and every season.  But Patty’s favorite past time was conversing with her staff over a cup of coffee.  Patty genuinely cared about her staff and peers.  She would routinely advocate for her staff and let them know they deserved a raise! Once you were in Patty’s good graces, you were a friend for life and she would often let people know, if they had something to say to you, then they would have to answer to her.  She would often ask “are you married”.  If the answer was no, she was always surprised, would ask “why not,  and would volunteer to find you a husband or wife.  If you answered yes, she wanted to ensure they were treating you right, or she would offer to find you a new spouse.  Patty is survived by her adoptive Mom and dear friend, Pat Lamb of Neversink, NY, and her extended family at New Hope Community.  Condolences to all who mourn for Patty.

Patty’s visitation will be tomorrow at Colonial Funeral Home in Woodbourne NY from 12-1pm.  A priest will start her Memorial Service at 1pm at Colonial Funeral Home.  Patty will be laid to rest, next to her late husband Joseph Goodstein, at the Hillside Cemetery in Woodbourne, NY. The home at 410 Larry’s Way will announce arrangements for Patty’s celebration of life once they are finalized.