August 22, 2021

Patricia Pettigrew Beran, a beautiful spirit whose compassion and brilliance touched so many lives during her eighty-seven years, was raised to heaven. Patricia, known to friends and family as Patty, was a Midwestern girl born and raised in Highland Park, MI, and later residing in Glen Ellyn, IL.

Patty’s start in life was marked by academic and athletic success, while brimming with deep and meaningful friendships. She attended the University of Miami where she studied sociology and Spanish and received many prestigious academic awards.

After college, Patty worked as a social worker in Chicago, Illinois, serving the city’s most vulnerable citizens. Patty remained in this role until the birth of her first son, Peter, in 1958. Her family quickly grew with the birth of her daughter, Polly in 1960 and her son, Michael, in 1963.

Patty was a dedicated, energetic, full-time mother to her three children in their early years and through several professional moves from coast to coast and to several states in between. She and her family landed in Weston, Connecticut in 1968, where they remained for many years.

In the early 1970s, Patty launched her teaching career, pursuing a Masters in Education while teaching and raising her young family. She has been a creative, resourceful, and caring college teacher in Weston, Connecticut for twenty-nine years. A long list of grateful alumni, their families and dear fellow teachers will fondly remember her. Her fellow teachers were a second family to her, always welcome at her home and at her holiday tables.

In 1998, Patty reunited with her college sweetheart, Milo Beran. Patty and Milo got married and traveled to Franklin, North Carolina, where they began their life together. Patty and Milo were active volunteers in their community. Patty volunteered for the League of Women Voters and served as Guardian ad Litem, seeking to protect the interests and welfare of minors in the local justice system.

She spent many years serving meals to low-income families at The Banquet Table in Franklin. Fluent in Spanish, Patty has also taught English to young Hispanic women seeking to improve their employment prospects. These young women considered Patty to be an important friend and mentor. Along with Milo, Patty delivered meals as part of the “Meals on Wheels” program to residents of Macon County. Weekly meal recipients will certainly miss her smiley face on their doorstep.

Beyond her husband Milo and children Peter and Polly (her son Michael died before death), Patty leaves an extended family deeply grateful for the values ​​she has shaped throughout her life. Patty will forever reside in the hearts of Polly’s husband, Joe, and their three sons Timothy, Jess and Cameron. Patty was extremely proud of her three grandsons and left them fond memories of lush gardens, happy vacation kitchens, and adventurous visits to rivers and lakes.

Patty also leaves her brother-in-law, Greg Gilbert, married to her sister Judi, for 59 years until her death in 2020. Judi was Patty’s fearless travel companion and together Patty and Judi fearlessly explored countries of the world. ‘Europe and South and Central America. Daring and curious, the traveling duo would seek out and befriend the locals to get to know the region and its true culture.

Patty was a caring aunt to Judi’s three children, Dirk, Michelle and Lisa, as well as her brother’s sons Bob, Arthur and Robert.

Patty’s huge heart had plenty of space to welcome and worship Milo’s three children, Lisa, Tamara and Josh and their children. Patty will all miss her step-grandchildren, Paine, Cam, Liza, Gigi and Mila in their lifetime and smile at their precious set of memories.

Inspired by her generous nature, Patty’s grandchildren created a fund in her memory to support the causes most important to her. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to:

Kenwood Foundation – Patty Beran Fund
45 School Street, 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02108

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

Macon Funeral Home is making arrangements.