Obituary of Patricia A. McKissick

Patricia A. Martin McKissick, a native of McKeesport; an educator and loving spouse, mother and grandmother, died Friday, July 1, at home in Murrysville, Westmoreland County. She was 80. A graduate of McKeesport schools, Duquesne University and the University of Pittsburgh, Ms. McKissick began her career teaching in the elementary grades in McKeesport. She continued her life-long teaching of children as a Peace Corps Volunteer and primary school teacher in Iran. Upon return to the U.S., Patricia was active in St Martin’s Episcopal church and was an instructor in early childhood development at Community College of Allegheny County. Late in her career, Patricia returned to the Middle East, where she taught refugees in the Anglican church near her home in Cairo, Egypt. Accomplished in a variety of cuisines - from Ukrainian and Italian cooking, to Persian, she was also a fervent advocate for food safety. Daughter of Dominic C. and Mary L. Martin of McKeesport, she is survived by her husband of 56 years, John W. McKissick, of Murrysville; sons John P. McKissick of Santa Fe, NM, and Phillip C. Mckissick (Kathryn) of Washington, D.C., and two granddaughters, Claire Bird and Vera Patricia. Also surviving are brothers Joseph P. Martin (Linda) of Monroeville and Timothy Martin (Ellen) of Penn Township, and many nieces and nephews. Ms. McKissick was a member of Calvary Episcopal Church in Shadyside, where, following inurnment, a memorial service will be held at a future date. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in her name be made to Amnesty International or Doctors Without Borders. Condolences may be left at www.mccabebrothers.com.