Patience Theodora McGuire

Patience Theodora “Pat” McGuire, age 89, passed away on September 26, 2017.  She was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico to Theodore George Paulantis and Patience Nelson Paulantis.  She was a lifelong resident of Albuquerque, with the exception of a short period of time in the 1950’s.  Patience was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Patience Paulantais; husband, Sheldon L. McGuire; sister, Mary T. Paulantis; brother, James T. Paulantis; and sister, Helen T. Sumner.  She is survived by her daughter, Mariann Groman of Albuquerque; son, Robert F. Groman (Laurie); and grandson, Jacob R. Groman of Amarillo, TX; granddaughter, Elizabeth N. Hay (Nick); and great grandson, Cameron A. Hay of Lubbock, TX.  Patience attended Albuquerque High School, graduating in 1946 and attended the University of New Mexico where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi.  She graduated from UNM in June of 1950.  In addition to raising her two children, Pat worked many years for the Albuquerque Public Schools.  She began working as a teacher, then as the librarian at Tomasita Elementary School and Kennedy Junior High School.  In 1974 she became the librarian at Highland High School, where she worked until her retirement in 1988.  During her tenure with the Albuquerque Public Schools, she met the “love of her life”, Sheldon L. McGuire.  They married in June of 1974.  They continued to live in Albuquerque until their move to Rio Rancho, NM in 1989. During this time, they enjoyed entertaining friends and traveling with their motorhome and on several cruises.  Pat joined the Friends of the Library of Rio Rancho in 1989, serving as president from 1996 until 2003.  It was her joy and passion.  When she retired from the Friends of the Library, she was their longest serving volunteer.  In November of 2012, Pat and Sheldon moved to Manzano del Sol Retirement Village in Albuquerque.  They continued to be active members of First United Methodist Church, where they enjoyed being involved with their Sunday School class and taking part in many activities with other class members.  Pat eventually moved in with her daughter, Mariann, after Sheldon’s passing in October of 2013, where she remained until her death.  Donations in her memory may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 315 Coal Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM  87102, or your favorite charity.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will take place to honor the lives of Patience and her beloved husband, Sheldon McGuire. The Celebration will take place on Saturday,  October 28, 2017 from  2:00 p.m.  to 5:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church located at 315 Coal Ave SW.