Marie Patrice Tahney died at Loretto Motherhouse on February 25. Mary Patricia Taheny was born in Denver, CO and attended public and parochial elementary schools there and graduated from Cathedral High School. She received her BA in music from Webster College and De Paul University and a Masters degree in music from De Paul University. Her specialty was the violin.
Patrice spent her professional life teaching music to private students, classes and as a director of school orchestras. She taught at Mary Queen of Peace in St. Louis, at Loretto Academy in El Paso, Loretto Academy in Kansas City and at St. Augustine and St Regis Schools in Lee's Summit, MO.
In her biography, Patrice talks about starting orchestras wherever she taught. In several instances, students from other schools were included in the orchestra - a good thing, said Patrice, since many of them had instruments that her school couldn't afford. Patrice taught part-time at Avila College in Kansas City and judged the school music festivals which Avila sponsored - these festivals always made her proud of her own students' work.
Patrice's good friend, Liz Croom, said that Patrice had a special bond with those she taught and kept in touch with many of them. One woman, taught by Patrice in 7th and 8th grades, came to the Motherhouse to visit her just before she died. She expected a lot from students and they didn't disappoint her.
Health issues caused Patrice to retire in 2000 and her energies were
spent in reactivating the Kansas City Loretto alums, reading, dabbling in watercolors, and doing puzzles.
We are grateful for your life with us, Patrice, and we will miss your Irish wit, your laughter, and your storytelling.
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Kenneth Zaremski
Sr. Patrice was a special teacher who demanded a lot and gave lovingly. Music will forever be a part of my life because of her influence and I love her dearly for it. Who could ever forget the flying keys, erasers or whatever she could get her hands on, trips to play Irish music or for graduations. Thank you for your gift to us all. Ken Z.
Monica Liston Rutherford
Sister Patrice was somehow frightening and yet endearing to me. She might get a little upset when I obviously hadn't done my homework, but I knew she loved me as I did her. She was all bark and no bite. I always got a hug from her after she let me know that she was aware that I hadn't practiced! I knew the kind heart and love that she had for all of us. I'm sorry she is gone. She taught us well. She will be remembered and missed.
Bless you Sister Patrice.
Kim Doane Packwood
Sister Patrice was a Loretto Experience. I remember being about 10 years old, coming from one of the Pods and seeing her coming my way from the convent, her unmistakable walk, the KEYS, and attitude that demanded respect. Reverencial FEAR would pass through me when she'd go by. Her temper was balanced by her passion for the music that she'd loved to share with us. Nobody since has riveled her as she directed the orchestra. I'll always admire her love for music, and remember her hearty laugh. Thank you Sr. Patrice for your prescence in our lives you left an indelible impression P.S. I think she would have loved the You Might Be... list. I laughed so hard. Kudos to the writer!