Patricia Beahan

Patricia "Patti" Beahan, 52, of Pittsburgh, formerly of Scranton, died Friday evening at Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Dunmore, after a fierce 10-year battle with cancer.

Born in Scranton, daughter of the late James J. Beahan and Ann L. Pedley Beahan, she graduated from the University of Pittsburgh, and promptly adopted the Steel City as her own. Her degree in early childhood education prepared her for a position as an au pair for many years in Switzerland, which afforded the opportunity to travel throughout Europe. And it informed her varied careers, including work as a pet care provider for furry clients at the Good Dog Club, a loss prevention manager at Boscov's, and most recently, as a restaurant server at the Cafe at the Frick.

As a Pittsburgh resident, she vocally supported all the city's sports teams, including the Pirates, Steelers, Penguins and Panthers, but especially the Pirates. She was a lover of animals and nature, attended the Universal Unitarian Church in Shadyside, Pittsburgh, and followed Buddhist teachings.

Infused with curiosity, strength, and a wanderlust that the outdoors and adventures could satisfy, Patti backpacked through Nicaragua, Iceland and countless National Parks across the USA, trips expertly planned by the incomparable Thed Weeks, who made it all happen.

Patti was a giver. She gave her time and spirit generously, volunteering for such amazing organizations as Venture Outdoors, where she led Wednesday Wake Up and Paddle! kayak tours, the American Red Cross, and, fueled by her passion for cycling and a just cause, Spokes of Hope, a fundraising organization for those affected by cancer, participating in a ride across Iowa called RAGBRAI. Later, she would pump the pedals from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C., for leisure and the experience. Patti passed her sense of fun and adventure to her nieces and nephews, taking them on many unforgettable trips along with her on a joy ride through life.

Forever grounded in a loving family and blessed with deep, abiding friendships, Patti is survived by her six siblings, Judy Beahan, Ledyard, Conn.; James P. Beahan and spouse, Danielle, Scranton; Christopher P. Beahan and spouse, Patti, South Abington Twp.; Amy Barth and spouse, Jerry, Torrington, Connl; Kathleen Beahan and spouse, Travis Hurst, Colorado Springs, Colo.; and Colleen Beahan, Scranton; her nieces and nephews, Patrick and Stephen Finucane, JT Barth, Meghan and Micah Beahan, Johnathan and Penelope Beahan, and Alice and Maxwell Hurst; her network of family like friends from Pittsburgh who provided unlimited support and care throughout her journey, including principal caregivers, Bill Shirey and Wendy Grace, as well as Kelly Uranker (Bill's wife), Jeff and Christine Chopp, Angel and Tom Baney, Stacey Bloom, Terri Iwinski and Dawn Smigo, earthly angels all, as well as innumerable friends, classmates and cousins.

She was preceded in death by a brother, John Beahan.

A memorial service will be held at a future date in Scranton, and a celebration of life will take place at the UU Church in Shadyside, Pittsburgh, at a date to be announced. Interment private, at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements, Frank M. Regan Funeral Home, 715 Linden St., Scranton.

In lieu of flowers, Patti requested that you donate blood in her honor, or send a monetary contribution to Carolina Flyers Inc., 4410 Barndale Court, Jamestown, NC 27282, or online at www.carolinaflyers.org.