November 3, 2014
Patricia McGoey
Modest. Humble. Generous. That is how Father Ed Pietrucha, CSP, remembers Patricia McGoey, whose big-heartedness extended to bequesting the Paulist Fathers $700,000 in her will. This gift is one of the largest ever received by the Paulists.
Ms. McGoey, who died in March 2014, experienced the power of Paulist ministry firsthand at her parish, St. Cyril of Alexandria in Tucson, Ariz. Father Pietrucha remembers Ms. McGoey as an active member of the faith community and volunteer at the parish reception desk.
“She was a lovely lady, a dedicated and wonderful person,” said Father Pietrucha, who has served at St. Cyril for some 25 years.
Ms. McGoey was born in New Mexico and attended the University of Arizona before earning a master’s degree in education from Columbia University. She retired from teaching in the Tucson public school system in 1987. Ms. McGoey was also an active volunteer with and benefactor for Habitat for Humanity and The Tucson Arts Council.
The Paulists are “so grateful for such supportive people like Patricia McGoey,” said Father Eric Andrews, president of the Paulist Fathers.
“Her support of the priests who have served in Tucson has been a great source of blessing,” Father Andrews continued. “Her gift will help us continue to support senior Paulists such as Father Ed Pietrucha and Father Bill Dougherty [who both live in Tucson], as well as those future Paulists who follow in their footsteps. Her gift confirms the great impact our mission and ministry has on the lives of those we serve.”
Ms. McGoey’s gift is a “transformative event” for the Paulist Fathers, according to Jackie Thomas-Suggs, executive director of the Paulist Fathers Office for Financial development.
“This generous gift demonstrates that the Paulist message is vital and cherished,” she said.