Patricia Jean (McDermitt) O’Malley

Patricia Jean (McDermitt) O’Malley

December 14, 1928 - February 20, 2023

Patricia Jean (McDermitt) O’Malley

December 14, 1928 - February 20, 2023

Obituary

Patricia Jean (McDermitt) O’Malley, 94, died on President’s Day, Feb 20, 2023, at Mission Hospital, Mission Viejo, CA.  She was born on Dec 14, 1928, at Highland Park General Hospital, Detroit, Michigan.  Patsy, as her parents called her, was the eldest daughter of Memphis Earl McDermitt and Helen Kalinowski.  She is preceded in death by her parents; stepmother Nell McDermitt; her younger sister, Nancy Anne Abraham; her husband, Captain Charles Aloysius O’Malley, USN; her eldest son, Terence Earl O’Malley, USN; and her eldest daughter, Kathleen Rose O’Malley.

Patricia, called ‘Pat’ by many, was married for 49 years to Captain Charles A. O’Malley, USN. They were married at Naval Station Treasure Island on October 7, 1950.  Charles, her fiancée and University of Detroit chemical engineering student, received a draft notice for the Korean War.  He deployed aboard ship shortly after their wedding.

She gave birth to nine children.  Kathleen Rose O’Malley, their firstborn, was full term, stillborn.  She died on April 21, 1953, at Highland Park General Hospital, Detroit, Michigan.  She was born 3 months before the end of the Korean War.  Ensign O’Malley, USN, was stateside after combat deployment.  Cemetery personnel were still deployed to the war.  Pat was still hospitalized.

Ensign O’Malley buried their infant daughter himself at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Archdiocese of Detroit, on April 22, 1953.  He recalled preparing her grave; they did not want her to be forgotten.  Interred:  Section 2, Tier 25, # 467.

As a teenager, she lost her mother to ovarian cancer, one of several different cancers she would later survive.  A traumatic event that would shape her life for years to come.  She recalled running from one ER room to another to find a nurse.  The unfortunate sudden loss of her mother created an even stronger bond with her sister, Nancy.  She became more determined, charged full speed ahead, was a tough Detroit gal.

An expert seamstress, she made her own satin graduation gown, and later sewed many of her children and grandchildren’s clothing.  She enjoyed interior decorating, cooking and baking for a large family. Hosting parties became her regular hobby.  She was adventurous; loved the outdoors, traveling and visiting family, friends. She made several cross country trips alone with eight children in a station wagon.

At that time, being the wife of a Naval officer and professional engineer had it’s own social privileges.  She enjoyed bringing the family to the Officers Club buffets, and dancing at the Officers Club Balls.  And although she was not a swimmer herself, she ensured that every one of her children had extensive swim training at military pools.

There was a high emphasis on education and professional career goals.  Seven of her sons graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School, San Bernardino, CA.  Her efforts are evident in the success of her children and her grandchildren.

Children, Spouses:  Margaret Mary O’Malley, TSgt, USAF, Ret, and Philip Bryan Oglesby, Major, USAF, Ret; Timothy Charles; Brennan Michael; Sean Patrick and Sylvia Gutierrez; Dr. Kevin Dermit and Rosemary O’Malley, PhD; Dennis Joseph; Patrick Daniel and Nicholas.

Grandchildren, Spouses:  Officer Manuel Richard Diaz; Kathleen Rose and Philip Mark; Elena Antonia and Johnny Vance; Charlie Frances; Henry Travers; Michael Brennan; Andrea Marie; Olivia Jean; Grace Amelia; Megan Marie; 1LT John Carlin and Lauren Virginia O’Malley, US Army; Patrick Charles; Ryan Fitzgerald.

Great grandchildren, spouses:  Officer Manuel (Junior) and Paige Diaz; Marquez Lee; Pandora Rose; Nadia Faelyn; Bella Sharlat.

Great-great:  Manuel Richard (JJ); Rylan Matthew; Jax Miguel; Kohen Eugene

Nieces and nephews of:  Alger and Nancy Abraham; Goddaughter: Carol (Abraham) Tibbles

Nieces and nephews of:  George and Catherine Johnston

James and Ruth (O’Malley) Kaliszewski

Family of: SMSgt Andrzej & Claire Biafora Sleboda, USAF

In her own professional career, she retired from The Broadway, (Macy’s), as a Retail Manager.  Raising eight children was a full time career in itself, yet she continued to volunteer her time and talent.  She was a Girl Scout Leader, Eucharistic Minister, a Retail Buyer, and President of the St. Bernardine Medical Center Auxiliary.

Raising eight children may qualify for a reality show today. But she did all the hard work, all the long hours, without complaints, without accolades.  Most importantly, she was a mother to the community as a whole.  She served in her most important role, as a mother and grandmother, with love, grace and dignity.

It is time for her to rest in the arms of the angels.

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Funeral Mass:

Thursday, July 27, 2023, 11:00 AM.
St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church
33926 Calle La Primavera
Dana Point, CA  92629
Reception immediately following.

 

Burial:

Friday, July 28, 2023 1:30 PM
Riverside National Cemetery
22495 Van Buren Blvd.
Riverside, CA  92518
Reception immediately following.

Memorial Mass

  • Date & Time: July 27, 2023 (11:00 AM)
  • Venue: St. Edward The Confessor Catholic Church
  • Location: 33926 Calle La Primavera Dana Point, CA 92629 - (Get Directions)
  • Phone Number: (949) 496-1307

Graveside Service

  • Date & Time: July 28, 2023 (1:30 PM)
  • Venue: Riverside National Cemetery
  • Location: 22495 Van Buren Blvd. Riverside, CA 92518 - (Get Directions)
  • Phone Number: (951) 653-8417

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4 responses to Patricia Jean (McDermitt) O’Malley

  1. Our hearts go out to all of you. We are eternally grateful for having such an amazing woman in our lives. There will always be a Pat shaped hole in my heart.

  2. Joseph Hsu says:

    Dear Sean,
    My warmest prayer to you and your family. May your heart and soul find peace and comfort in the beautiful memory of your mother.

  3. Kevin Yuan says:

    Dear Sean,

    My condolences to you and the O’Malley family. Want to leave this quote:
    Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.

  4. Anna (Martell) Boyce and Tony Martell says:

    Mrs O’Malley was a wonderful Mom and neighbor. We were her neighbors for 48 years. My brother and I have wonderful memories of Mrs O’Malley and the entire family !. Her Chocolate chip cookies and Waffles were a staple when we visited and she was so sweet. She always took trips to the beach and Norton AFB for swimming . She will surely be missed

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