Patricia Coffey
is honored with a Brick from Mary L. Herrin, Judy Haglund, Marilyn Chapman Hansen, Dr. Marlene Mendiones, Naomi Werne
If you ask those who knew Patty, they would all agree that she was a very caring person; that she was solid, trustworthy; a person of great integrity. Patty Coffey was all these things and more. She was beautiful, brilliant and brave. She loved to read, go to parties, dance and debate. She loved children, the law and Billy Joel. She was a successful attorney, a devoted daughter, a dear sister, a loving aunt, a treasured friend and a devout Catholic.
She was committed to her family and seemed to love family gatherings more than anything. It has been said that when the five Coffey sisters got together, it was a celebration of live. Her 18 nieces and nephews were the recipients of special attention and holiday parties she planned for them, complete with decorations and favors. And her four brothers-in-laws were each certain he was her favorite.
Patty was always very concerned with social justice, especially where women and children were concerned. She joined several charitable groups and became an integral part of their activities. She put her whole heart and soul into these causes.
As a result, she was a board member of Rainbows United; Breakthrough Club; and Soroptimist International of Wichita, Inc. One of her latest projects was the establishment of the Women's Initiative Network whose mission was to create opportunities leading to growth and independence for women in transition.
Anyone who knew Patty during her years of illness could not help being inspired. She reached Heroine status to many that knew of her health struggles and the brave way she faced adversity. She never gave up after multiple surgeries and endless rounds of debilitating chemotherapy. Nor did she whine or express any resentment about her long battle with cancer. She fought her illness with such class and bravery that many people were unaware of her health status. She continued to practice the law that she loved until a few weeks before she died. She has left a model of bravery for all of us to aspire.
