Patricia Catherine Conrad

Newport, RI - Patricia Catherine Maguire Conrad, 89, of 30 Bliss Road, Newport, RI, and Naples, FL, died peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Friday, January 21, 2011 at St. Lukes Hospital, New Bedford, MA after a long illness.She was the wife of the late Lloyd T. Conrad with whom she shared 64 years of marriage. Born in Newport, RI on December 17, 1921, she was the daughter of the late Philip A. and Catherine OBrien Maguire.Pat was a graduate of Rogers High School Class of 1939 and received her bachelors degree in Home Economics from the University of Rhode Island in 1943 where she was a member of the Chi Omega sorority. Pats early career was as a Chemist for Eppley Labs in the 1940s. Her real calling was to be a teacher, and she started what would become her lifes work at Miss Collings School in Newport, teaching 2nd grade. It was not long before she was asked to take on the duties of Principal as well as teacher. At age 50, she completed her Masters in Education degree at Salve Regina University. With that in hand she entered the public school system, and specialized in teaching reading skills to special needs children. In 1981, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to public education, Pat received the Newport Teacher of the Year award. She loved helping children, and when she was not doing that she could be found at First or Third beaches virtually every day in the summers. She is survived by two sons, Thomas P. Conrad of Middletown, RI, and Robert L. Conrad of Newport, RI, a daughter, Kathryn P. Conrad of Middletown, RI, her sister Phyllis Martin of Middletown, RI, and 12 grandchildren; Laura Marx of New York, Michael Marx of Providence, Robyn McLaughlin of Avon CT, Amy Cruz of Watertown MA, Kathryn Conrad of San Diego CA, Ryan Conrad of Lewiston ME, Jennifer Caswell of Newport RI, Jillene Caswell Khan of North Kingstown RI, Jamie Nandra of London UK, Timothy Conrad of Newport RI, Bryan Conrad of Portsmouth RI, and Stephanie Conrad of Newport RI. She also had 6 Great Grandchildren and 6 nephews and nieces.She was preceded in death by her daughter Patricia Conrad Marx and her brother Thomas Maguire.Her funeral will be held on Friday, January 28, at 8:00 am from the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:00 am in St. Lucys Church, 909 West Main Road, Middletown. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery in Middletown. Calling hours will be held Thursday, January 27 from 4:00-7:00pm in the Memorial Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association.222 Richmond Street, suite 108 Providence, RI 02903