Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Class of 2000-2001 was unique as are all of Harvard’s classes. Within that class, a new student group formed, The Metamorphosis Coterie, designed to meet the needs of a cohort of career professionals. Within that environment, a group of four mature women, who in the midst of their own individual lives, chose to set out on a new journey based on their own strong ethic of education and public service that would create positive change in a chaotic world. Pat along with Karen Pelletier, Susan Lawlor, and Judith Bonifaci established a bond so strong that it still holds tight today. All four were equals; no one out shining the other sisters of the heart. Pat held a special place in this group as a model of a strong woman who had faced many obstacles: ably raising two boys on her own, completing her college education while working, dreaming and achieving that dream of attending the number one school of education in the country to receive a masters in higher education and, from there, earning her PhD. As she traveled this strenuous road, her compatriots traveled their roads alongside her. Coming together in New Mexico to explore Pat’s new home, going back to Harvard to participate in further educational activities, resting and relaxing at Cape Cod, and exploring the Pacific Northwest–are a few of their amazing treks together over the years since Harvard. They stayed in contact with each other as they faced challenge after challenge and joy after joy on their own individual journeys. It saddens each of their hearts that Pat is no longer beside them. She blessed them with her insights, wisdom, love of people and nature, and her true embodiment of kindness and compassion for others. Pat’s “Morph Sisters” join her family and friends today to celebrate her life, her love and her legacy.
