SHARON, Pa. (MyValleyTributes) – Patricia Cowan Woodings died on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, after a brief illness. She was 89 years old.

Born Patricia Ann Cowan in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she grew up in Oakmont, Verona, and Penn Hills.

She graduated from Penn Hills High School, where she met her future husband, Samuel Woodings.

Pat initially attended Westminster College, but transferred to the University of Pittsburgh. She graduated with a degree in business education which she used as a high school teacher.

In July 1957, Pat married Sam Woodings. Several years later they moved to Idar-Oberstein, Germany and Washington, DC while Sam served as a medic in the US Army.

The family moved to the Shenango Valley in 1963 and Pat immersed himself in the community. In addition to working and raising an active family, she began volunteering for a wide variety of community initiatives, a practice she continued (and to which she brought many friends and daughters) throughout her life.

In 2001, Pat was recognized as a Buhl Day Honoree for her involvement in the community. When asked why she got involved in so many varied community efforts, some of which were new to her and in many cases involved people with whom she had nothing in common, she responded: “That’s why I go. “I unintentionally seek out people who are interesting and stimulating.”

Pat’s desire to expand into new areas and experience new things led her to become involved as a board member or hold other leadership positions in these and other groups: Mercer County Land Preservation Board, League of Women Voters ( state and Mercer County level), Shenango Valley Interfaith Council Women’s Association, Sharon Lifelong Learning Council, Great Decisions Sunday School discussion leader, First Presbyterian Church Choir, Meals on Wheels, Transfer Area Farmers, United Way Sharon of Mercer County and Sharon General Hospital Auxiliary.

His desire to expand his experiences also involved travel. Many trips. She and Sam traveled throughout the United States and visited six of the seven continents.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 67 years, Dr. Samuel George Woodings; her brother, James Cowan; her four daughters, Rebecca, Lisa, Catherine and Elizabeth; her son-in-law, Bruce Goodman; and her grandson, Phillip. And let’s not forget the three big dogs: Reilly, Brooklyn and Winifred.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to United Way of Mercer County, Buhl Park, or a charity of your choice.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church, 600 E. State St., Sharon. For those unable to attend in person, remote video access will be available through the church’s YouTube channel: @firstpresbyterianchurch1620.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.

A television tribute will air on Monday, April 28 at the following approximate times: 6:47 am on WYTV, 9:43 am on WKBN, 10:58 am on FOX and 8:12 pm on MyYTV. The video will be published here on the day it is broadcast.