Condolences for
Patricia J. Elliott

You will always be unforgettable in my life...and I'm sorry to see you go. I may have been a bit of trouble for you at Rydal...in the late 1960s... R.I.P.

Steven Patterson
Davie, FL

In May of 1969, my parents moved from Philadelphia to Meadowbrook. I was not quite 11 years old, uprooted to a new neighborhood and a new school at the END of the 5th grade school year. It was traumatizing to say the least, when my mother informed we that we were going meet the principal of my "new" school, Rydal Elementary. I still remember that day even though it is well over 40 years ago. Miss Elliott invited us into her office, handed me a root beer barrel and promised one scared little girl that she would make sure that it would "be alright." And it was. Rest in peace, Miss Elliott. It looks as if you have influenced many others over the years....and by the way....that scared little girl became a teacher (thanks to you and Mrs. Geisler at Rydal)!

I worked for and with Pat for many,many years. She was a wonderful administrator and I learned so much from her. It was a sad moment when she left Rydal. During the past few years, her illness took its toll. She seemed to know us and in her own way would communicate with us. The last time I saw her was in July. Dr Hoffman, Abington's past superintendent and I spent a short time with her and Kay. We planned on returning soon. I do regret that I could not attend her service. I was on vacation and did not return until Saturday when I found my telephone filled with notices from friends about her passing. My consolation is that she is at peace.

I never thought summers were complete without a trip to Nantucket and a visit with Pat, Kay and Cubby. Nantucket was inextricably linked with "the girls" and their spirited beach attendance. I knew I would always have a pair of companions for a trip to Ladies and could forever rely on Pat and Kay to join me for some fun in the waves.

Pat was a wonderful cheerleader in my life, whether it was applauding while I rode "Cupcake" up and down the deck, or encouraging me to pursue my dreams, whatever they may be, with determination. Pat was a fabulous listener and always knew the appropriate time to dispense her sage advice and in a way that a teenager would take to heart (certainly not an easy task!)

I will miss Pat dearly but will be forever grateful for the wonderful memories we shared.

I first met Miss Elliott when she visitied the Willow Hill 6th graders preparing to go to the Jr High. I admit I was a little scared of her but it turns out she was one of the most amazing educators I have had the pleasure of encountering. Even as a principal she managed to teach us important life skills like responsibility and accountability. I graduated from AHS in '91 and ran into Miss Elliott on a train headed to center city a few years later. We talked almost the entire ride and it was a feeling of being home again.

Miss Elliott, may you rest well and have a heaven filled with all that you love a students to teach. God bless you and may He give comfort to your family and friends.