Ellen Patricia Beechinor, 90, of Rockville Centre, NY, passed away peacefully on September 5th.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Ellen was lovingly known as “Pat” by her family and friends. She lived a life centered around family, faith, and community which created 90 years of love, laughter and an unwavering commitment to helping others.

Born on May 26, 1936, Pat was the only daughter of Eugene and Kathryn Kelley. She grew up in Port Chester, NY, alongside her three brothers, Eugene (deceased), Peter (deceased) and Joseph. In 1953 she attended Farmingdale College where she met the love of her life, Bob Beechinor. Together, they settled in Rockville Centre and built a life centered around their family and community.

Pat’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her five children: Robert (the late Vivian) Beechinor, Kathleen (Dan) O’Connor, Michael Beechinor, Anne (Steve) Suriano, and Ellen (Mike) McGay; twelve grandchildren: Amanda, Kathryn, Daniel, Matthew, Jeanne, Carly Jean, Meghan, Emily, Robert, Brendon, Patrick, and Erin; and three great-grandchildren: Thomas, Shannon, and Liam.

Pat was deeply involved in the Rockville Centre and was a devoted member of St. Agnes Parish. She was always willing to step in and aid those less fortunate and marginalized. Her volunteerism lasted decades serving as Co-President of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, various outreach groups and was a Eucharistic Minister. Throughout the years, she also worked for the Town of Rockville Centre and several local schools.

Those who knew Pat, however, will remember her for much more than her years of service. She will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor, quick wit, and her ability to make everyone feel welcome. They will remember sitting on the front porch with the Walnut Avenue gang, block parties, backyard barbecues and countless family gatherings.

Holidays were especially meaningful to Pat, with Thanksgiving being a particular favorite. The family table seemed to stretch from the dining room, through the living room, and practically out the front door. What mattered most was having the people she loved gathered together.

After Bob’s passing, Pat remained active and engaged with her family, parish, and community. Being a grandmother and a great-grandmother, she would say, were her finest hours. She enjoyed activities and trips with the Sandel Senior Center and continued to embrace life and new experiences. She traveled throughout Europe with friends, creating wonderful memories and sharing many adventures along the way.

Her home was a place where everyone was welcomed, stories were shared, laughter came easily, and there was always room for one more.

She leaves behind a family that loved her deeply and who will carry in their heart the values that she shaped. While her absence will be profoundly felt, there is comfort in knowing that she is at peace and reunited with Bob and the loved ones who went before her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pat's memory to Habitat for Humanity at

https://www.habitat.org/