1946 – 2016

ALBEQUERQUE, N.M. — Patricia K. McCarron, of Albuquerque, N.M., died peacefully on Thursday, Dec. 22, after a long battle with cancer.

She was born in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. on May 23, 1946 to Irma Strese Randall and Christian Randall. After attending Lawrence College in Wisconsin, Patricia went on to earn a master’s degree in child development from the University of Illinois. She felt privileged to teach in quality preschools, including the early childhood program laboratory schools at the University of Connecticut.

After moving to Maine, she worked at Westbrook College and directed the Early Childhood Education Laboratory School. She also supervised student teachers. She was executive director of the Catherine Morrill Day Nursery in Portland, and director of the on-site childcare program at Bath Iron Works in Bath. She believed strongly that caring for and facilitating learning for young children should be a calling for some of our best teachers, regardless of the inadequate pay scale. Patricia was a diligent champion for change in this area.

Before moving to Albuquerque, Patricia lived on Great Diamond Island with her husband, Adrian, who preceded her in death in 2000.

She is survived by her sisters, Beverly Reynolds and husband, Tom, of Kalispell, Mo. and Barbara Kline and husband, Sam, of La Pine, Ore.; her brother, Don Randall of Bloomington, Ill.; 10 nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and great-nephews. She was a caring auntie to each of them.

Patricia wanted to thank the amazing outpouring of emotional support from friends and caregivers in Albuquerque who worked hard to organize her care, keep the household going, drive her when needed, shop for food and clothing as her size changed, and kept her company so that she could remain in her home.

She was also grateful that members of her family were able to visit during her illness, especially her sister, Barb, who was with her for the last several weeks.

Please visit our online guest book for Patricia at www.FrenchFunerals.com.