Patricia Cavanagh

Patricia Ann (Pat) Koontz-Cavanagh left her earthly burdens behind on January 2^nd at the age of 92.  She was born in Warren, Ohio on April 10^th, 1931, the daughter of Russell and Donna (Gillette) Koontz. Pat remained in Ohio for 31 years before moving with her family to Lauderhill Florida in 1962.

She was a devoted mother to her beloved son Jim and her world was never the same after losing him in a terrible auto accident in 1983.  Pat managed to survive her extreme grief and go on to live an interesting and productive life as Director of Lauderhill Parks and Recreation.

Pat was a lover of life and she never hesitated to jump on a boat or plane to experience more of it.  Her appreciation of the beauty she found all around her in nature was profound.  This was reflected in her keen-eyed, award-winning nature photography.  Her talents didn’t end there.  She also had a knack for putting pen to paper to create colorful, amusing, and deeply moving lines which were printed in many local Lauderhill publications. 

She was a Christian whose deep faith saw her through her most trying times.  She took great joy in being an active member of Plantation Baptist Church where she proudly served as an Awana leader for many years.

Aunt Pat was truly one of a kind.  Her quick wit and ready smile will be missed by all those who knew and loved her. 

Pat was preceded in death by her son Jim, parents Russell and Donna Koontz, brother and sister-in-law Jack and Esther Koontz.  Survivors include her brother’s children in whom she found great pleasure and comfort:  Sandra, Donna, Trudie, and Jack along with many great and great-great nieces and nephews.  She also leaves behind her dearest and loving friends, Barbara, Malcolm, Lilly, and Yogi.

Friends may attend a graveside service at the Evergreen Cemetery, 1300 SE 10th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale on Janaury 20, 2024 at 12 Noon.  Cremation Arrangements by T.M. Ralph Funeral Homes, Plantation.

In lieu of flowers, Pat has requested donations be made to Wildlife Care Center, (www.wildlifecarecenter.org), where she worked as a volunteer in the early 70’s. Aunt Pat said specifically, “if anyone wastes money on flowers, I shall return and sing the entire score from West Side Story to them in the middle of the night.  You have been advised.”  Adieu chere (goodbye dear one) and see you on the other side.