Patricia "Pat" McCaffery
Patricia Ann Allison McCaffery, affectionately known as Pat and Patsy, departed this life on the 6th of July, 2024, in the city of Roanoke, VA. She was 89 years of age. Born on the 30th of November, 1934, in Saltville, VA, she was a beloved daughter of James and Edith Chapman Allison from Saltville VA.
A proud graduate of Saltville High School, Pat continued her education at Virginia Southern College in Roanoke, VA, and was an alumna of the AEP Management School at the University of Michigan. Her career with Appalachian Power Company (AEP) was both long and distinguished, commencing in 1956 and concluding with her retirement in 1996. While at AEP her name was Patricia Stowers. Pat was a trailblazer for women in the industry, serving as one of the first female supervisors at AEP and the inaugural woman from an operating company to be selected for the esteemed AEP Management School.
Pat enjoyed flowers and gardening and was an excellent cook, known particularly for her exceptional banana pudding, which was a staple at family reunion events. Some of her other loves were blue birds, angels, Christmas, the Outer Banks of NC, and reading books of all kinds. She was a dedicated and faithful Christian. While at The Hermitage she was able to attend Sunday Vespers and hymn singing. A few of her favorite songs were Precious Memories, Draw Me Nearer and Daddy's Hands.
Her warmth and kindness shone brightly throughout her life, and her presence was marked by an ever-present smile and a readiness to offer support and encouragement. Pat cherished her retirement years with her late husband, Cyril McCaffery, traveling and creating memories at their beloved beach cottage, Ocean Oaks, in Southern Shores, NC. The holiday season was especially dear to Pat, as she and Cyril made it a tradition to visit the homes of her siblings, spreading the joy and love of Christmas.
Pat leaves behind her sisters, Nancy Allison Shipp (Jim) of Poquoson, VA, and Jamie Allison Bailey (Rick) of Palm Bay, FL.
Nieces, Regina Barbrow of Saltville, VA, Suzanne Allison Boggess (Richard) of Buchanan, VA, Sherry Allison Moran (Mark) of Buchanan, VA, Martha Johnson McNemar (Don), of Lawrenceville, GA, Kathy Johnson Rollins (Terry) of Point Pleasant, WV; and nephews Michael Shipp of Poquoson, VA, Jeffery Shipp (Dorneen) of Dover, DE, Patrick Gunter (Krysti) of Palm Bay, FL, Jay Gunter (Sonya) of Boone, NC, Philip Barbrow of Saltville, VA, and Eddie Barbrow (Mary) of Meadowview, VA. She is also survived by very special friend and caregiver Patsy Conner, Roanoke VA.
She is predeceased by her parents James and Edith Chapman Allison, Saltville VA, loving husband, Cyril McCaffery, Roanoke VA; her sisters, Regina Allison Johnson, Point Pleasant WV and Carol Allison Barbrow, Saltville VA; and her only brother, Noel Allison, Buchanan VA.
In accordance with her wishes, a private service for the family will be held to honor Pat's memory. Her life stands as a loving tribute to her dedication to family, her pioneering contributions to her profession, and her unwavering commitment to her faith. Special thanks and gratitude to the caring staff at The Hermitage and the Good Samaritan Hospice, Roanoke VA, they quickly became family to her and for this we are forever grateful. Pat will be sorely missed and forever remembered by all those who had the privilege of knowing her. Well done, thou good and faithful servant, Matthew 25:21.
