Patricia Childs Passmore, 73, died of heart failure and is survived by Ronald Passmore, her husband of 52 years, and son Scott Passmore, both of Huntsville; and daughter Jane, son-in-law Steve Gary and grandson Ty of Fort Smith, AR.
Pat was the only child of Harmon and Mary Childs, born May 5, 1940, in Greenville, SC. Compassionate by nature, Pat attended Greenville Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. She soon met Clemson University physics student Ron Passmore on a blind date, and the two married Feb. 24, 1962. Her friendly, outgoing personality proved the perfect complement to his studious, quiet character.
Ron was drafted by the Army and the young couple went to Maryland’s Aberdeen Proving Ground, where Pat took a civilian nursing position. In 1963, son Scott arrived, and the family moved to “Space Race” boomtown Huntsville, AL to pursue Ron’s career in research and development for Army tactical missiles. Five years later, daughter Jane was born.
Looking for the right educational environment for their son, a bright student who used a wheelchair for mobility, Pat found Grace Lutheran School and quickly established herself as the favorite go-to room mother, a cheerful, reliable volunteer ready to take on tasks great and small. Pat served as school treasurer, on its board and as alumni liaison.
The Passmores also joined Grace Lutheran Church where Pat was active in bell choir, altar guild and Ladies of Grace. And, at times, she became “Pat in Her Hat,” cheerfully donning a crazy hat to encourage blood donations for the Red Cross and Life South.
Education and healthcare were two themes in Pat’s life. In 1987, she and Scott were the first mother-son duo to earn degrees from UAH; hers in sociology, his in communications. Her working life included various nursing positions and jobs at Interfaith Mission Services and The Reading Center.
“Positive Pat” was always welcomed among friends, whether it be her long-time Bible study group, at a UAH hockey or Stars baseball game, or out and about with the Red Hat Society. Pat was a wannabe quilter, and she and Ron enjoyed Scottish heritage events and, of course, spending time with daughter Jane’s family including grandchild Ty.
Visitation will be 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. today March 9 at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. The funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday at Grace Lutheran Church with Pastor Blair Clark officiating, burial at Maple Hill Cemetery and then a lunch at the church to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in honor of Pat Passmore, to Grace Lutheran School, 3321 South Memorial Parkway, Huntsville, AL 35801.
