Obituary of Patricia Leahy McVeigh

Mrs. Patricia "Tricia" Leahy McVeigh, 53, of West Street, Fort Plain, New York, died suddenly May 27, 2008 on Stone Arabia Road in Palatine Bridge, New York. She was born March 9, 1955 in Hartford, Connecticut, the daughter of William and Ingnea (Sanchini) Leahy. Mrs. McVeigh graduated from Utica College of Syracuse University with a degree in Occupational Therapy. Throughout her extensive professional career, she worked in many school districts. Currently she was employed at HFM BOCES as a registered Occupational Therapist serving students in Johnstown, Gloversville and St. Johnsville schools. She was formerly employed at Fort Plain Central School. For the past 15 years, she has resided in Fort Plain. Previously she lived in Antrim, New Hampshire and Ludlow, Vermont. She was a very active member of the Valley Alliance Church where she served as Deaconess, Sunday School Teacher and in various other ministries. Mrs. McVeigh coordinated the local community National Day of Prayer Observance and See You at the Pole event. She was an advocate for Joni and Friends International Disability Center's Wheels of the World, an organization that collects, rebuilds and distributes wheelchairs worldwide. She was a sponsor of Operation Angel Tree, a Prison Fellowship Ministry. She served as a representative for the Tri-Valley Area Salvation Army and coordinated the Christmas Red Kettle Drive. She is survived by her loving husband Edward A. McVeigh, whom she married on August 30, 1981 in Plainville, Connecticut. In addition she is survived by her children, Tiffany Rose McVeigh and her fiancé Matthew Terry of Troy, New York, Michael Alan and Megan Snyder McVeigh of Fort Hunter, New York, and Rebekah Anne McVeigh of Fort Plain, New York. Tricia was the proud grandma of 4 grandchildren, Natalie Rose Terry, Nathan Joseph Terry, Meadow Faith Marie McVeigh and Michael Alan McVeigh, Jr. Tricia's greatest passion and center of life was her husband, children and grandchildren which was exemplified in everything she did. She is also survived by her sisters, Peggy Willard of Wethersfield, Connecticut and Kathy Whitty of Simsbury, Connecticut and her brother, Robert Leahy of Plainville, Connecticut. She was predeceased by her parents and by her sister, Betty Ann. Tricia loved spending summers with her family on Lake Champlain in Alburgh, Vermont. Tiffany remembers her mother's tremendous passion for crafts and how she had an eye for photography. Tricia loved having long talks with her son, Michael, and sharing those times with Ed. One of Tricia's favorite pastimes has been Irish step dancing which she performed throughout New York and New England with her daughter, Rebekah. She enjoyed gardening with her grandchildren.