When an elder passes, a library burns. Here are just a few details from the story of Patricia McCourt DiTata’s life.
Pat was born on April 8, 1941 to Edna and Frank McCourt in Corinth, New York, where she enjoyed a wonderful childhood. After attending the University of Maine, she met her husband, Tito DiTata, at her first job as a librarian at Little Falls High School, where they landed themselves in hot water with the principal over their scandalous displays of public affection (walking down the street holding hands). Pat went on to work as School Librarian at West Canada Valley Central High School, her great joy for over 30 years. She would often remark with pride on the accomplishments of her former students, and even after Lewy Body Dementia had stolen much of her memory she could still recite the Dewey Decimal System with ease.
Pat and Tito moved to Poland, NY, and had two children, Ed and Elizabeth. Both remained close with their mother throughout her lifetime. Ed spent many evenings at Pat’s dining room table, sharing food, drinks, and laughs late into the night. He was a devoted son who quietly and reliably made sure his mother was safe, comfortable, and cared for. In Pat, Elizabeth had more than just a mother; she had a friend, a confidante, and a fellow adventurer to travel the world with.
Pat spent her summers at her beloved Hunt Lake, swimming, kayaking, and hosting family gatherings. She enjoyed sharing cocktails on the dock with her sister Marti Willits, and looked forward to visiting with her nieces and nephew, Beth, Scott, and Vicki, and her great-nieces Mattie and Gracia. Pat’s winters were spent skiing and sledding with her grandchildren: Randy, Jesse, Nicholas (Emily), Elijah, Courtney, Edward, Maya, and Samuel. She had three great-grandchildren, Rylah, Kinley, and Ashton, whom she adored and who adored her right back. She also cherished the many holidays and special memories with her grandchildren’s partners, Lindsey, Lindsay, and Alannah. She shared a unique bond with each of her grandchildren. As a grandmother Pat was caring, fun, and supportive, the kind of woman who would notice your favorite treats and quietly make sure they were always there waiting for you.
Pat enjoyed socializing with her friends (“lunch club with the ladies”). She was deeply committed to community and service; she sang in church choir, volunteered at the Poland public library, and served on many local committees including the Hunt Lake Association. Faith and the church community were cornerstones of Pat’s life — she rarely missed a Sunday service.
Pat and Tito were married for 48 years, until Tito’s passing in 2013. She was fortunate enough to find love twice; Frank Beaudette was Pat’s loving companion in recent years, second only to her faithful dog Loki. Frank was a dedicated partner who brought warmth and joy to Pat’s life and to the many adventures they shared.
Pat’s latter years were spent at her daughter Elizabeth’s home. She looked forward to regular visits with her friend Sheila Vincent and appreciated the many cards from Paula Johnson. The children from Elizabeth’s daycare brightened Pat’s days. Pat’s family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to Elizabeth and her husband, Ed Losee, for their tireless care and affection during Pat’s illness. Her family would also like to thank Pat’s caregivers, Cassidy, Lisa, Catherine, Jai’Nai, and Kristinia, who have all remarked on Pat’s kindness and appreciated her wisecracks. Pat’s humor never left her.
Pat will be remembered for her boundless generosity, her caring nature, and her sharp wit. She traveled to California, Italy, and Ireland, and took many summertime trips to Maine. She loved gardening, baking, laking, and lobster-eating. She took it as a personal insult when people folded pages in books or drove slowly in front of her. She prepared many a home-cooked meal for her family, often with vegetables she grew herself, and she taught her grandchildren proper manners so that they’d be “ready to dine with the Queen.” She was quick with a smile, loved selflessly, and always had room at her table for one more.
That was Pat.
These are just a few lines from the story of Patricia McCourt DiTata. The rest lives on in those who knew her, loved her, and will carry her with them always.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on April 25 at the Living Waters Chapel Westminster Park in Rock Hill, SC. The interment will be on June 27 Pine Grove Cemetery. All are welcome to join the family at these services. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Poland Public Library – Box 140 Poland, NY 13431.
Condolences may be made to the family at greenefuneralhome.net.