Dr. Patricia N. May

April 16, 2016

Dr. Patricia N. May (née Atty) died peacefully at Hospice and Community Care in Mt. Joy, PA on April 16, 2016 following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

For nearly 50 years Patricia was married to Stanley A. May .In addition to her husband, Patty is survived by her children, Tina married to Dr. Jeffrey Musser, Lititz PA and Todd May, Lancaster PA. Patty adored her five grandchildren, Jake Musser, Zach Musser, Hana Musser, Cooper May and Carter May. She is also survived by her sister Charlyne Holder, Lancaster PA and her uncle Richard Donoway of Hollidaysburg, PA. Patty was preceded in death by her parents Dr. James and Nell Atty.

Patty was born on July 26, 1944 at Lackland Air Force base in San Antonio Texas. Following WWII her family returned to Johnstown, PA. The Atty family relocated to Everett, PA and lived on farm with a pond that provided entertainment and many memories to family and friends. In 1962 Patty graduated from Everett High School. She began college at Penn State but later transferred to Millersville University when her father became faculty. Patty created many lifetime friendships during college. She graduated in 1966 with her B.S. in Elementary Education. Patty continued her education earning her M.S. in Psychology from Millersville in 1975 and ultimately her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Temple University in 1990. Patricia also completed her certification on Educational Administration form Temple University in 1991 and her certification from Curriculum and Instruction from Widener University in 1993.

In 1966 Patty embarked on her career in Education at Wharton Elementary School in the School District of Lancaster. Patty exceeded normal teaching practices with her students and added creative events not only to her class room but the entire school. Patty loved organizing parades, assemblies, summer programs and celebrating holidays at school. All these qualities created a school family at Wharton Elementary of teachers, staff, administration as well as students and parents. In 1987 Patricia moved to an administrative role as the STAR Dropout Prevention Facilitator. Patty was focused on sharing her love of learning and keeping children focused and in school. In 1990 Patricia returned to her classroom at Lafayette Elementary and continued to provide a solid educational foundation for her students. Patty added another layer of teaching experience by expanding to the college level starting in 1992 at Penn State in both Lancaster and York. In 1998 Patty retired from the School District of Lancaster after 30 years of teaching. She continued to serve as Acting Principal and Administrative roles as a consultant for several years. Patty returned to her roots at Millersville University supervising student teachers until last year. Throughout her career Patty helped to shape students and promote education and learning in all forms.
Outside of her career Patty was involved in countless committees including Lancaster Education Association, Support for Enriched Education, Manheim Township Booster Club, Friendship Force.

Patricia had an unwavering faith and was a founding member of St. John Chrystostom Antiochian Orthodox Church in York, PA. She frequently visited other Orthodox churches in Louisville, KY, Cedar Rapids, IA, Naples, FL, Wilkes Barre, PA, and Boca Raton, FL.

She was also proud of her Lebanese heritage and her family. Patty organized family reunions and documented genealogical information on her maternal lineage, the Audi family and her paternal roots the Atty family.

Patty and Stanley enjoyed travelling and spending time in Florida at their condominium.

Patricia will be remembered for her boundless energy, loving spirit and fun loving personality. Patty, an over achiever herself, was tireless in not only encouraging people to meet and pursue goals, but to exceed them. Patricia was an individual who was passionate about her family, faith, culture.

A scholarship is being established in her honor to assist aspiring teachers. Donations may be sent to 510 Bedford Place, Lititz, PA 17543.

A viewing will be held from 6-9 PM on Thursday, April 21, 2016 with the Trisagion Service being held at 8:45 PM at the Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. The viewing will continue on Friday from 8-9:30 AM at the funeral home. Funeral Services for Patty will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, April 22, 2016 at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 64 Hershey Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603. Interment will be at Landis Valley Cemetery.