Patricia McCune
Obituary
Patricia Aileen McCune, 79, was a woman of quick wit, kind heart, and generous spirit. Her love of music, literature, the arts, and politics invited lively conversation, laughter, and engaging friendships. She inspired thousands of children to explore stories, ideas and faraway places in almost 30 years as a school librarian at William Penn and Academy Central Elementary Schools in the Tulsa district.
In the decades since her retirement, Pat filled her life with good friends, good books, opera, travel, and numerous volunteer commitments. She served the Assistance League of Tulsa, the League of Women Voters, the Tulsa Opera Guild, and supported many organizations that advance the concerns of women, children, and animals. She was a long-time participant in the Shakespeare Society, American Institute of Discussion, PEO, and two handbell choirs.
Pat was born March 8, 1930 to Clifford L. and Mildred (Navarre) McCune. She grew up in Tulsa, graduating from Central High School in 1950 and earning a bachelor's degree from the University of Tulsa in 1954. She earned a master's degree in library science several years later in Denver. Through her career as a school librarian and her deep involvement in community service as a retiree, Pat touched many lives and will be deeply missed.
She is survived by her brother, Clifford L. McCune and his family of Atlanta and by many loved ones and friends. She passed away on Friday, December 11th after a brief illness. Family and friends will gather to celebrate her life on Friday, December 18th at 10:00am at Oklahoma Methodist Manor's Fleming Center.
Events
Tributes & Memories
Lit a candle in memory of Patricia McCune
Kathryn Bledsoe
She was amazing! I adored spending time with a teacher who had such a wonderful passion for books!
Kathryn Bledsoe
Miss McCune gave me my love for reading. She was the kindest teacher I ever had. She will be missed!
Mike Beaty
Miss McCune was my librarian/teacher at Penn Elementary School in the early 60's. About 2 1/2 years ago I ran into her at Prime Time Treasures in Jenks, OK where she did volunteer work for the Assistance League of Tulsa. She was so happy to see me and we caught up on all those years and all of my other teachers. She knew what was going on with many of them at that time. She was so touched that I had pursued a career in education as well. I will never forget how she followed me out to my car and waved and waved as I drove away. She was a very special person and a gift to everyone who met her. Sandy Mitcherson-Andrison
Sandy Mitcherson-Andrison
Pat was a gentle soul - always so patient and helpful to her students.
Gene Amberg
I attended William Penn from 1957 to 1961, and Miss McCune was one of two teachers who I look back on as being very special to me. She was a credit to the teaching profession. I remember her reading Charlotte's Webb to us in 3rd grade. She once confiscated my baseball cards (I deserved it) She also helped me once when I had a nose bleed. I also remember the morning when her father suffered a heart attack in the school parking lot. I am glad to see that she lived a long and happy life.
Clark Shilling
How sad I am to learn of the passing of Miss McCune. Miss McCune instilled in me at a very early age the love of reading. To this day I often think of her when at the library, a book store or especially after reading the final words of a great book. The library at William Penn Elementary, during the 60's, was my favorite place to be -- she always made it a very special place. Miss McCune will always hold a special place in my heart!
Debi Watkins Calico
I had the honor of having Miss McCune for my librarian in grade school. She was the most wonderful person to all of us kids. I wish every child in schools could have had her as a teacher. She will be missed so much.
Vicki Farr
I had the privilidge of meeting Pat thru the League of Women Voters. Her wonderful and friendly personality invited me to learn more about the league and made me feel welcomed. The first time I spoke with Pat I had the feeling that I had known her forever. It was that special touch, the gift of love and friendship that she had that made the difference.
Blanca Thames
Patricia was a very caring teacher she was my teacher @ Wm Penn for 5 yrs.She will be greatly missed by many.My condolences to her family and all her friends.
Melissa Randell-Stewart
Ms. McCune was such a blessing as a teacher at William Penn Elementary , but of course at the time I didn't realize that. Now as I look back and see such patience and love for all her students equally , I realize what a treasure she really was in the development of everyone that knew her. Patricia McCune will be greatly missed.
Brad Sparkman
I'm sad to hear of Pat's passing and will miss her kind and intelligent presence at LWVMT meetings. She was one who made the world a nicer place for many.
Jan Curth
Pat was my oldest friend as we started kindergarden together. I admired her more than any other friend as she met life aggressively despite some often physical difficulties. Her many activites helped countless organizations in Tulsa.
Ruth Ann Willsey