Helene “Pat” Patricia McGuinn

MCGUINN, Helene Patricia “Pat” (nee Boffa) was the oldest of three children. She grew up in Philadelphia, raised her children in Wyndmoor, and retired to West Chester. At 96 years of age, she lived alone in her own home, managed her finances independently, and still drove her car to church and the grocery store. She loved going to the beach, and playing bridge with her friends.

She was married for 65 years to John Joseph McGuinn, who passed away five years ago. We know they are together again. We hope there is dancing. Their marriage produced five children, fourteen grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Pat graduated at the age of 20 from Chestnut Hill College. She was one of the two physics majors in her class. After college, she worked as a math teacher in a local high school, teaching the children about math and the stock market. She wasn’t fond of teaching, though, telling us stories of children climbing out of the window to get out of going to class!

Before marriage, she was a professional dancer, performing with her sister until her sister got married, then continuing on her own. She worked in clubs as far away as Toronto. A gifted seamstress, she made all of her own costumes. She was a former Miss North Philadelphia who was fearless and would try anything, including auditioning and landing a role in a local Opera.

She took classes in anything that interested her, and encouraged her children to do the same. While raising her children, she studied business and earned her Real Estate license. In later years, she took classes in television production, became a camera person and television editor, and hosted her own television show about movies.

She adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren and nothing made her happier than when they would call or come by for a visit. She loved to listen to everything they had to say and thought they were the most fascinating creatures on earth. It didn’t matter what they wanted to talk about, she was there to listen.

Pat lived life to the fullest, packing two lifetimes into her one. When we think of her, as we often will, we will take comfort in knowing that she left no stone unturned and no dream unfulfilled. She will be greatly missed.

Predeceased by her husband, John J. McGuinn, and her siblings, William Boffa and Leatrice Spiewak. Survived by her children, Helene Susanin (Roger), Bill (Tammy), Cate MacFarland (Dan), Tricia McGuinn (Tom Ringe), and Lizanne McGuinn (John Christen); her grandchildren, Audrey Susanin, Roger Susanin (Stephanie Simoni), Lizzie Susanin, Kathleen McGuinn (Jimmy Gates), Kelsey McGuinn, Mary McGuinn, Suzanne MacFarland (Nick McClintock), Mary Kate MacFarland (Shane Bradley), Dan MacFarland, Tom Ringe, Jack Ringe, Will Christen, Elena Christen, and Katherine Christen; and seven great grandchildren, Genevieve and Roger Wesley Susanin, Annabelle Saunders, James and Wesley Gates, and Annie Jane and Declan McClintock.

Relatives & friends are invited to her visitation Saturday June 3rd 9:00 – 9:45 AM followed by her Funeral Mass 10:00 AM ALL IN CHURCH at Saints Peter and Paul Parish 1325 Boot Rd, West Chester, PA 19380. Inurnment Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery.

Contributions in Helene’s memory may be made to Chestnut Hill College at https://www.chc.edu/give

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