Patricia M. McBride

Our mother, Patricia Millard McBride was a devoted mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, a voracious reader of books, a steadfast friend, a sporadic but hilarious quipster, and so much more.  

She is survived by her children, James McBride, Blaise McBride, Mary Pat Smith, Terence McBride (Mary Ann) and Brendan McBride (Sandra), and Nana Banana’s Bunch, her beloved grandchildren: Caroline and Allison McBride and their mother Elizabeth, Killian McBride, Christopher, Mary Kate, Daniel, Colleen, and Elizabeth Smith and their father Chris, Andrew and Lauren McBride, Ryan and Brayden McBride, and Secilia Johnson, Blaise’s de facto daughter, as well as a plethora of nieces and nephews, all of whom benefited from the Matriarch’s wisdom and generosity. She is also survived by her companion and ice-cream buddy, Keefer, the fab lab.  

Our mother was predeceased by her husband, Andrew Gerald, her two eldest sons Andrew and Timothy, and her siblings, Mary Alcock, Helen Cahill, Fr. Dan Millard, James Millard, Jr., Charles Millard. 

She was born to James C. B. and Mary Orr Millard on April 28, 1928, in Ridgewood, New Jersey. She graduated from Rosemont College in 1950 with a degree in English and went on to teach at St. Catharine’s in Glen Rock, the grammar school her seven children would later attend. Our mom met Andrew McBride in the summer of 1958, they were wed in October of 1959 and they welcomed their first child in the summer of 1960. They went on to have six more children, raising the McBride Clan in Glen Rock, New Jersey. 

Our mom was always a teacher at heart and instilled in us her love of books, learning, and constant curiosity. With so many little ones around, mom embraced the parenting philosophy of “benign neglect,” which was a hands on but minimalist approach, consisting of essentially sending us outside to play, or giving us a book, a puzzle, a crossword, or an imaginative challenge, and getting back to the laundry, lunches, and laborious tasks of keeping order in a chaotic, nine-person household. 

While raising us, she set the wonderful example of service to others through her involvement in The Little Sisters of the Poor (50 plus years), the CYO, the PTAs of whatever schools we were attending, and many other organizations. When “Brendan the Endin’ ” entered high school, our mom went to work at the Ridgewood Library, a job that became a deeply loved career in which she would thrive for the next 26 years. She continued to participate in the library’s book group until very recently and kept in touch with many of her colleagues who had become close friends. 

Nana Banana took great pleasure in her grandchildren’s accomplishments. Ballet, basketball, baseball, recitals, and plays, Nana traveled near and far to revel in their activities and show her love and support. “The Big M”, also loved bringing her big clan together, and generously sponsored vacations in the Outer Banks, where she enjoyed watching us play on the beach, watching Jeopardy with us, and watching us get kicked out of go-karts courses. Visits from her nieces, nephews, and their children were a welcomed bonus.  

We are grateful that after a long, well-lived life, our mother left this world on Tuesday, January 3rd on her terms, and died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones. 

 
Visiting Hours today 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Feeney Funeral Home, 232 Franklin Ave, Ridgewood. Funeral Mass tomorrow,  Friday, 1:00 PM at St. Catharine RC Church, Glen Rock. The burial will be private. Feeneyfuneralhome.com