Patricia “Pat,” Meehan, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, aunt, friend, and dedicated educator, passed away on February 4, 2026 after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. True to her nature, she faced her illness with the same grace and selflessness that defined her life.
Born to the late Beverly Devin Meehan and George Joseph Meehan, Jr. in Chicopee, MA, Pat was raised in Marlton, NJ. She graduated from Lenape High School. Pat spent her life always putting others first. After raising her two children, she pursued her lifelong dream of becoming an elementary school teacher. Over a distinguished 28-year career spanning several states—including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Florida and North Carolina—she taught every elementary level, though her heart belonged to second-grade reading. Pat possessed a rare gift for reaching struggling students, creatively turning their frustrations into triumphs. While she earned many degrees, being named “Teacher of the Year” in 2000 remained her proudest professional moment. She cherished the framed letters from her students as daily reminders of the lives she shaped. In 2020, she retired from Sugarloaf Elementary in Hendersonville, NC.
Outside the classroom, Pat found joy in the simple pleasures: a warm cup of coffee with friends, spaghetti dinners, NCIS, Nora Roberts’ books and shopping trips. She was happiest at the beach, Disney World, or Dollywood. A diehard Kenny Rogers fan, she often reminisced about sitting close enough at his concerts to “count the gray hairs in his beard.” Whenever “Islands in the Stream” played, a smile was guaranteed to follow.
Pat’s greatest impact, however, was on her family. Known as “Nana” to her six grandchildren and great-granddaughter, she was a pillar of forgiveness and optimism. She never held a grudge and was always ready to listen, often surprising loved ones with thoughtful “just because” gifts. Her final words serve as a lasting charge to those she loved: “Go for what you want and be positive about it. Don’t be afraid.”
Pat was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, George T. Meehan. She is survived by her children, son: Thomas Radziewicz, Jr. and wife Laurie of Woodstock, GA, and daughter: Melissa Radziewicz Ledgerwood and husband James of Hendersonville, NC; her six grandchildren: Stella, Steffanie, Caleb, Rylan, Cecilia and Bailie; her great-granddaughter, Natalee; and a community of friends and former students who were better for knowing her.
There will be a private memorial service after internment in NJ at a later date.
In honor of Pat’s passion for literacy, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to continue her mission of teaching children to love reading. https://donate.imaginationlibrary.com/
Jackson Funeral Service is honored to serve the Patricia Meehan family.