Patricia Bernadette Cannata

Patricia Bernadette Cannata (née Erskine) beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully at the age of ninety-two on August 3, 2024, at her home in Cary, NC. She was born on March 16, 1932, in Brooklyn NY to John and Josephine Erskine. She enjoyed telling stories about growing up on Long Island, attending Sewanhaka High School, working in NY City, and meeting her future husband. She married Joseph Cannata in Flushing NY on New Year’s Eve of 1950, moving immediately to Colorado Springs where she became a home maker while her husband worked at his duty station. After her husband's station moved to Washington DC in 1952, Pat found employment as a typist at the Pentagon. She worked until the birth of daughter Joanne in 1959. Her family grew again in 1962 with birth of son Gene. Pat volunteered time as an elementary school receptionist, Cub Scout Den Mother, and for other causes. She returned to the workforce as an executive secretary continuing until the age of seventy to satisfy her strong work ethic. After living in Falls Church, VA for over 50 years, Pat moved with her husband Cary NC to be closer to family while her husband suffered from health issues. She was widowed in December of 2012. Pat was forever grateful for her friends and acquaintances in the Heritage Pines community where she was happy to participate on the Architectural Review Committee, lead Stretch & Flex classes and help set up for community events. A voracious reader she always had a book close by and enjoyed organizing books in the community lending library. In here eighties Pat enjoyed volunteering at Dorcas Ministries. She lived a life marked by caring, service, and commitment to those around her. She was preceded in death by her sister Eileen Corby, parents John and Josephine Erskine, and husband Joseph. She is survived by her children, Gene Cannata (Claudia) and Joanne Green (Howard), her grandchildren Kate, Nick, Jack, Pete, Audrey (Rishi) and Sophie (Ben). May her memory be a blessing and remain a guiding light for her family and community. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on August 17th at 11:00 am at Wake Memorial Park in Cary. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery beside her husband at a time to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Dorcas Ministries, a cause close to Pat’s heart. (https://dorcasnc.org/donate/)

Patricia Bernadette Cannata

March 16, 1932 - August 3, 2024