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Celebrating the life of

Helen Patricia Dwyer McKenna

February 25, 1941 - January 14, 2025

Helen Patricia Dwyer McKenna

Helen Patricia Dwyer McKenna (Patty) entered God’s eternal Kingdom on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. She passed away peacefully at her home in Thunderbolt, surrounded by her family. During her illness, Patty received love, compassion, and comfort from Hospice Savannah.

Patty was born on February 25, 1941, and was a lifelong resident of Thunderbolt. She was the youngest daughter of Judge Lawrence J. Dwyer and Helen Howard Dwyer. She was preceded in death by her sister, Sherry Dwyer Beasley. A devout member of Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, Patty was actively involved in the parish choir.

Patty attended parochial schools and graduated from Saint Vincent's Academy in 1960. During her time at Saint Vincent’s, she developed a love for music, which she continued to nurture throughout her life. After graduation, she became a member of the Saint Vincent’s Alumnae Choir.

After retiring from the Chatham County Elections Board, Patty remained deeply involved in her community. She was a member of the Nativity Women’s Auxiliary and the Georgia Historical Society. Patty was also a charter member of the Thunderbolt Museum Society and served as secretary of the Daughters of Ireland.

In 1962, Patty married John H. McKenna Jr. Together, they had four children: Lawrence McKenna, Patrick McKenna, Julia Sinclair (Steve), and Sherry Ann McKenna (John Bayides). She was also blessed with eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation services will begin at 10:00am on Friday, January 17, 2025, at Saint Peter and Paul Parish at Nativity Church, followed by a Celebration of Life Mass. Burial will follow at Bonaventure Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Lawrence McKenna, Joseph McKenna, Max Neidlinger, Johnnie Beasley, George Howard, and Patrick Howard.

In memory of Patty, the family requests donations to Saint Vincent’s Academy.

 

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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Sending love, hugs and prayers to the entire McKenna Family.

- Shalene Williams, Savannah, GA

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Your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending love and comfort to you all.

- Shanell Harris, Port Wentworth, GA

Patty was supervisor to a very young and shy me over 32 years ago in The Board of Elections. She, Delores and Diane taught me so much more than election day preparation and poll worker communication. The personal advice and guidance they kindly shared played a huge part in my growth as woman and mother. I'm so sorry that you've lost her. Please cherish the memories of and with her. Renea Steverson, Savannah

- J Renea Steverson, SAVANNAH, GA

Sending healing prayers and comfort during this tough time.

- Marva Gresham, Savannah, GA

Sending love and prayers. Sherry she will always be with you, you now have an angel watching over you all

- Pat Stanfield , Bloomingdale, Georgia

Praying for Patty, John, family and friends. She was always so gracious and friendly. She will be missed.

- Jack & Beth Fitzgerald, Savannah, GA

We are thinking and praying for your family during this time.

- Christal and Mike Hall, Jonesboro, Ga

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We are so very sorry for your loss! Patty was a very special,cousin and also a special friend! Johnny and Patty were a perfect union made in heaven,and always loved everyone unconditionally. They set their goals high and were loved by everybody.Until we meet again, I love you with my whole heart! Much Love, Sue Odom Tuten and Family

- Sue Odom Tuten Family, Jesup,, Georgia

We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

- Ciucevich Family, Savanah, Ga

Patty and I met at St. Vincents Academy as freshmen and became friends and part of a large group of fun lovers, too many who are also gone to a better place. We had great overnights at her house in Thunderbolt and times when we rented rooms at Tybee (sleeping three and four to a bed). Patty enjoyed things more quietly than some of us but you could tell by her smile and shining eyes that she was having fun! She and Sherry had beautiful voices and performed in the SVA Concerts. She continued to share her musical talents in later life. She and Johnny had one of the first weddings of our group and what a happy occasion it was. Later, we were part of a Bunco group. No matter what the occasion, Patty was usually the driver and her car was always full (not as full as it was when as teenagers we hid in the trunk and on the floor of her car so that 8 people could get in the drivein for the price of 4!). Her love of crowds continued with her family as she and Johnny hosted family and friends at their home in Thunderbolt. (No, Patty didn't venture far from her favorite part of Savannah!) In the past years, Johnny and her children have gone above and beyond in taking care of her. The love she showered on them was returned over and over. I know your hearts are heavy at her loss but you can be comforted by the knowledge that you were there for her and with the wonderful memories you have of all the good times.

- Sheila Winders, Savannah, Ga

John so sorry for your loss. I know what Patty was to you. You know the end is near and you think you are prepared but you never are. God be with you and your family in this time of sorrow.

- Buddy Gallaher, Thunderbolt, Georgia

John, please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. Keeping you and family in my prayers.

- Bob White, Greensboro , Ga

So very sorry for your lost.God Bless.your family.

- Nancy Hiers, Thunderbolt, GA

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200


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