I just learned today, Friday, 9/12/14, that my dear friend Pat died almost a year ago. I am so sorry to be writing this so late and hope it doesn't dredge up memories, but I so want to pay tribute to her.
John, I first met Pat in the early 80's here in Manhattan. She was working as a CPA for someone who was renting office space from my firm. You may even have heard of the 'boss' of my firm as he and Pat became such good friends also, having the same initials as Pat at that time also - PJ Brennan.
Pat and I hit it off immediately. We were both at the beginning our NY careers. We would go out for lunch and/or dinner and multiple functions of the Brennan family and chat and gossip whenever we could!
I've read the tributes above and I see the standout comments about Pat are regarding her warm personality. I see that everyone felt as I did - she was a warm, loving, personable, true, honest, full of life person, who made you feel so close to her. Whenever I spoke with or met up with Pat, she was a true friend, even though it wasn't on a constant basis. We always fell back into step with each other.
The last time I saw her, John, was when you were away I believe, and she came to visit my husband Steve and I in Pennsylvania. She had told me about you several years before and so we felt almost that we knew you. From her description, and with no disrespect intended, we felt as though we knew you too.,
Please accept our most sincere regrets on your behalf. We are devastated and cannot imagine how it is for you. Again, my utmost apologies for writing so late. I had no idea....
Bernardette Haken