Obituary of Patricia E. Jones

Pat Jones, best known as "Miss Pat" to her dance students, died peacefully of complications from pneumonia on February 9, 2012, at age 85. Miss Pat left her handprint of compassion and sharing on the hearts of all who knew her. She was born to Harley and Daisy (Ogden) Miller on August 10, 1926, in Fort Edward, New York. She graduated at age 16 from Fort Edward High School, and continued pursuit of her youthful love of dance attending dance instruction school in New York City. At age 18, she turned down an opportunity with the world famous Radio City Rockette's to take over her dance teacher's school in her hometown, and thus began Miss Pat's 50-year-long career as a dance teacher. Her studio moved to South Glens Falls, New York in 1955. The Pat Jones School of Dance came to Charlotte County, Florida in 1972 and continued until she retired in 1994. Throughout her career, she made a lasting and positive difference in the lives of her students. Pat met the love of her life, Ray Jones, they married June 2, 1962. Ray readily embraced Pat's first four children, and she embraced his firstborn daughter, and together they had two more children, making them a blended family of "his, hers, and theirs." In 1972, Pat and Ray moved to Port Charlotte, Florida, where, in addition to her dance school and his accounting business, they owned and operated Pepe's Place, a pizza restaurant that was, in its day, a popular gathering spot for local families. Those who frequented Pepe's Place knew the generosity and compassion of Pat and Ray, who would give food away before letting anyone go hungry. In retirement Pat enjoyed traveling the world visiting her children, grandchildren and friends. Pat was predeceased by her beloved husband Ray (1979); three sisters and one brother. She is survived by her sons Dennis O'Leary (Tina); Shawn O'Leary (Shelly); Patrick O'Leary; Scott Jones; daughters Marsha Avery (Bud); Cindy Ragazzo (Al); and Raegen Takahata (Mark); best friend Florence LaPoint; 15 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. "Miss Pat" stood for laughter, generosity, compassion, gratitude, and strength. Her greatest achievements were in how she loved others and how she shared her optimism and her passion for music and dance. Her endearing, lively presence will live on through her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Pat brought out the best in the many people she encountered throughout her life and will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers pleasemake a donation to the Alzheimer's Association or charity ofchoice. The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 16, 2012, from 10-11 AM, at the Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home 9400 Indian Springs Road, Punta Gorda. A funeral service will be held following the visitation at 11 AM at the funeral home. SHe will be laid to rest with her husband at Charlotte Memorial Gardens. PLease visit www.charlottefuneralhomeandcemetery.com for more information Arrangements entrusted to Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home