First day of kindergarten in Fair Haven 1965 Photo/Sally Van Develde
A back-to-school reprise dedicated to everyone’s first friend on that first day of school as a kindergartener. My first friend and neighbor in Fair Haven was Pam Young (second from right), who passed away in July of 2020 … Everyone can relate. Go back with us. Remember your first day of school and that first friend …
Knock-kneed, nervous and all dressed up with somewhere to go, this gaggle Fair Haven neighborhood girls of 1965 lined up so their moms could get that classic first-day-of-kindergarten shot. And there wasn’t a smile among them.
On the cusp of the start of the school year, Fair Haven lost one of its most popular former longtime teachers.
Fair Havenite and retired 25-year Knollwood and Viola L. Sickles schools teacher Patricia “Pat” Egan passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 4. She was 82.
Pat Egan Photo/family via John E. Day Funeral Home
“Patricia devoted her life and love to family and to children of all ages. She had a boundless faith in God and was a parishioner of the Church of the Nativity in Fair Haven. Patricia’s enthusiasm, love, humor, and smile touched the lives of many, leaving a legacy of innovative education, dedication to family, and a loving devotion to all who were blessed to be by her side.”
Born in Teaneck on Christmas Eve 1939 to Elwyn and Marguerite Norton, Pat was one of eight children. She graduated from William Paterson University with a bachelor of arts degree in Education and taught first at the Longfellow School in Teaneck and then for 25 years in Fair Haven at both the Viola L. Sickles and Knollwood schools.
Pat was pre-deceased by: her beloved husband, James S. Egan in 1986; her parents, Elwyn and Marguerite Norton; and two brothers, Robert and Roy Norton.
She is survived by: her four cherished, loving children and their spouses, Kevin Egan and wife Anne, of Westborough, MA, Richard Egan and wife Carolyn, of West Long Branch, Christen McMahon-Vota and husband Tim, of Little Silver, and Michel Chojnacki and husband Jerzy, of Shrewsbury; her 12 cherished grandchildren, Kevin (Meghan), John and Adelene Egan, Jaimie, Jessica and Emily Egan, Jack and Cole McMahon, Violet and Rowan Vota, Christian and Reed Chojnacki; five siblings, Richard (Camille) Norton, Ronald (Virginia) Norton, Kevin (Barbara) Norton, Kathleen (Joseph) Mobilio, and Dennis (Patricia) Norton; and many nieces and nephews.
— Photos/Family, Eileen Kubaitis and Jeni Weber
Family and friends may visit on Friday, Sept. 9, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Church of the Nativity, Fair Haven, followed by burial at Fair View Cemetery, 456 State Route 35, Middletown.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Patricia’s memory to Grace Healthcare Services, 105 Fieldcrest Ave, Suite 402. Edison, NJ 08837. Email: [email protected]
Rest In Peace, Pat Egan. Thank you for all you have taught so many Fair Haven kids that will endure their lifetimes. You are remembered.
— Edited obituary prepared by family via John E. Day Funeral Home
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