Patricia Rose Connaghan

March 15, 1925 to October 25, 2021

Patricia Rose Connaghan passed on into Heaven on October 25, 2021.

A longtime resident of Lakewood, CA, Patricia was preceded in death by husband Robert P. Connaghan in 2000.

At 96 years of age she was the last of 10 Children of Marcus and Margaret Conroy. Matriarch of the Connaghan Clan of Lakewood, CA, she and her late husband, Robert were blessed with 11 children, 17 Grandchildren, 14 Great-Grandchildren and 4 Great-Great-Grandchildren.

Patricia is survived by her sons Timothy, Kevin, Hugh, Brian, George, Marcus, and daughter Anne.
Patricia’s deceased children include sons James and Robert, and daughters Mary and Kathleen.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Patricia began her career working as a secretary and clerk in the pre-WWII years. She always put others first.  This led her to volunteer work at the Los Angeles USO canteen during WWII.  When she wasn’t volunteering she regularly attended church, where she met her future husband, Robert.

Following their marriage, they moved to Norwalk, CA where they bought their first home and started a family. Soon thereafter they welcomed Timothy Patrick and a year later James Michael.  As the family was growing they decided to find a new home in a new housing development in Long Beach.  They watched as their new home was built and soon thereafter welcomed Mary Patricia.  This was their home for over ten years in which time they welcomed Kathleen Louise, Robert Francis, Kevin Anthony, Anne Marie, Hugh Joseph, Brian Charles and George Arthur.

With the home stretched to capacity Patricia and Robert decided they needed something larger.  They found a beautiful home in Lakewood in the late 60’s.  Surprisingly, 9 years after the arrival of George, it was announced at their 25 ^th Wedding Anniversary celebration that Patricia was to have another child and they welcomed Marcus John.

During the 50’s and early 60’s Patricia enjoyed her life as a loving American homemaker and mother, dedicated to her husband and raising their ever-growing family.  But, as they grew and the household needs grew she decided to return to the work force.  She began in retail services and eventually found her calling, serving the students at Long Beach City College (LBCC) in their Admissions office.  Many years later, Robert started a new career also working at the College.  Patricia retired from LBCC in 1988.

It is no surprise that all 11 of her children, her husband and she herself all attended or took courses at LBCC, with 5 of her children receiving degrees.  In fact, at one point in time 5 members of the family worked at the college and the running joke was that LBCC stood for Long Beach “Connaghan” College.  In 2001, the family established a special scholarship at the college in their family name and in honor of their father, Robert.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you give the gift of Service to those in need in your community.

Special Services have been scheduled for Monday, November 29, 2021
10:30 am at St. Cyprian Catholic Church, 4714 Clark Avenue, Long Beach, California, 90808