It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Patricia “Pat” Gurney on July 14th at the age of 88 in Plano, Texas. She was surrounded by her loving family.
Patricia was born on November 22, 1937, in Denver, Colorado. She was raised in New Jersey and also lived in New York and Florida before making Texas her home. Pat was a professional dancer and model and later taught ballroom dancing at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami, Florida. She was an avid antique collector and even owned an antique co-op.
In 2004, Pat moved to Texas to be closer to her daughter and to watch her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up. Family was incredibly important to her, and she treasured every moment spent with those she loved.
Pat will be remembered not only as a loving soul, but also for her witty personality, carefree spirit, and fiercely independent nature. She enjoyed life to the fullest and cherished the company of her family and friends. A lifelong dog owner, Pat adored her pets and treated them as cherished members of her family.
Pat was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her daughter, Dolores Swalm, and son-in-law, Edward Swalm; four grandchildren: Thomas Swalm, Stephanie Jones and grandson-in-law James Jones, Matthew Swalm and granddaughter-in-law Hilary Swalm, and Ryan Swalm and granddaughter-in-law Emily Swalm; and seven great-grandchildren: Caden 17; Parker 11; Remi 10; Hunter 10; Sterling 7; Madison 3; and Lily 13 months.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Jacklyn Chianese and Geredee Freis; and husband, Orin Gurney.
Pat will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends, and the love she shared will continue through the generations she cherished so dearly.
A celebration of Pat’s life was held on August 22nd at 11:30 a.m. at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 5100 Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas. A reception followed at the home of Ryan and Emily Swalm.