Patricia Scanlan Irish's Obituary
In loving memory of Patricia S. Irish who departed on April 21, 2026.
Patricia is survived by Katherine Irish and her husband, David T. Ther of Placitas New Mexico, Robin I. Hatch and her husband L. Upton Hatch of Pensacola, Florida, and Mary Patricia I. Hauck and her husband, Steven A. Hauck of Indianapolis, Indiana. Her grandchildren include Nathan C. Henry, Neal U. Hatch (Lynsey), Harold W. Hatch (Kristine), Virginia I. Hatch (Brady), Erin E. Hauck, Laura K. Hauck, and 6 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Colonel Herbert V. Scanlan and Katherine King Scanlan and her sister, Mary Elizabeth Scanlan Slasor.
Patricia was born February 18, 1931, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She was the daughter of Colonel Herbert V. Scanlan and Katherine King Scanlan. As her father was an army officer in the United States Army, her family moved frequently. They lived in Fort Myer, Virginia, Watertown, Wisconsin, Fort Knox, Kentucky, Dallas Texas, San Antonio, Texas and Albuquerque, New Mexico. Patricia graduated from Albuquerque High School. She attended the University of New Mexico, graduating in 1952 with a degree in Sociology and a minor in Psychology and Spanish. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi, sorority and of Spurs, a sophomore honorary. Pat met her husband, Lloyd R. Irish, at UNM. They married at the Kirkland Air Force Base Chapel on June 23, 1952. After her husband completed his tour in Korea in 1953, they lived at Nellis Air Force Base near Las Vegas, Nevada and then moved to Decatur, Illinois in 1955, Lloyd Irish’s hometown.
Patricia was a formidable and well-respected bridge player and was a member of American Contract Bridge League. She joined a group of women to form a bridge club in 1955. The members of this group became life-long friends. She wrote in her autobiography, “…they went through having babies, graduations, weddings and grandbabies together”. Pat valued her many friendships found during the 70+ years she lived in Decatur. She enjoyed hosting beautiful dinner parties and events. She added a creative touch to many of her volunteer efforts.
Patricia was a very accomplished seamstress. She also enjoyed traveling the world, seeing many of its wonders. She enjoyed a number of bareboat charter sailing trips to the Caribbean with her family and friends. She also boarded several ocean cruises, visiting six out of the seven continents.
Patricia has been a member of Holy Family Parish since its inception in 1959 and became a Charter Member. She was an avid golfer and a member of the Women’s Golf Club at the Country Club of Decatur. She was president of the Nine Hole Association and Eighteen Hole Association. She was also a member of the Junior Welfare League for 10 years and became a member of P.E.O., Chapter GR, since1973.
Patricia was a loving, committed mother who taught her daughters the value of family and love for beauty. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her daughters, 6 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.
Obituary written by Patricia's loving family.
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