Patricia (Pat) Garrett Rooney
July 7, 1936-February 4, 2023
Patricia (Pat) Garrett Rooney, 86, entered heaven on February 4, 2023. Pat – also affectionately known as “Mrs. Pat” – was best known for never meeting a stranger. She loved meeting new people, learning everything about them, and connecting them with others. She’s recognized for her incredible advocacy of others, helping local organizations to achieve success, and an unbeatable memory that only faded as her Alzheimer’s progressed.
Pat – Mary Patricia Miller Garrett Rooney – was born on July 7, 1936, in Pennsylvania to James G. and Ruth C. Miller. Pat moved to Indiana in 1959 after earning a B.S. in Education from Kent State University and married Stephen T. Garrett in 1961. Together they had three children, Terrence (Bambi), Steve Jr., and Megan (Greg). Pat later married J. Patrick Rooney, expanding her family to include Andy, Therese (Brian), Cathy (Rick), and Tenna (Mike). Both Steve Garrett and J. Patrick Rooney preceded Pat in death as did her parents, sister Judy and son Steve Jr. She is survived by her brother, James G. Miller, Jr., children and grandchildren – Kyla (Kyle) and Kent Garrett, Garrett and Grace Wiles, Greg and Julia Shuff, Nate, Alliy and Christopher Moyer, Clay and Asher Merchant.
Pat was a Central Indiana resident for over 60 years and enjoyed life as a mother and host of Kindergarten College from 1963-1966. But Pat’s passion was her community. She volunteered for numerous local organizations, sat on over a dozen Boards of Directors, and served as the Interim President of Conner Prairie, Legacy Fund of Hamilton County, Heartland Film Festival, and the New Harmony Project. A list of all the organizations Pat served is listed below.
Pat’s commitment to her community was rivaled only by the love she had for her family and friends. We invite you to celebrate Pat and her incredible contributions to our community on Friday, February 10, 2023 from 4-7 p.m. at Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Rd, Fishers and funeral service at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 444 S. Harbor Drive, Noblesville.
In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to a charitable organization that Pat loved and perform a random act of kindness in her memory.
Condolences: www.randallroberts.com
Charitable organizations for which Pat loved and served:
Central Indiana Community Foundation
Community Centers of Indianapolis
Community Hospitals of Indianapolis
Conner Prairie Board of Governors (pre- and post-independence from Earlham College)
Covenant Christian High School
FBI Citizens Academy Foundation (member of the first Indianapolis FBI Citizens Academy Class)
Hamilton County Theater Guild’s Board of Directors (of which she performed in 14 shows between 1969-97)
Hook’s Discovery and Learning Center
Hoosier Salon Patrons Association
Hope Academy
Indiana Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Indiana Repertory Theatre
Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra
Indianapolis Opera Company
Indianapolis Retirement Home
IUPUI University Library Board of Community Advocates
Kent State University – National Athletic Development Committee
Legacy Fund Community Foundation of Hamilton County
Propylaeum Historic Foundation
Quality of Care Committee for Community Hospitals of Indianapolis
Save the Prairie, Inc.
Second Helpings, Inc.
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