A giant amongst women and men, the ever formidable Patricia Catherine Stepanovic, beloved daughter of the late Cornelius and Sophie Leary, passed away peacefully on the evening of May 6th, 2023, following a long and courageous battle with illness.  The eldest of seven, a longtime resident of Westchester County, and a just-as-devoted, more recent East-Ender, Patricia was born on the Lower East Side of Manhattan but never forgot her Ukrainian and Irish roots.

After an earnest commitment to the habit as a sister with the Order of Presentation Sisters in Staten Island, Patricia eventually finished her studies at Fordham University and Notre Dame, before meeting and marrying Yugoslav immigrant Radivoje "Rudy"  Stepanovic. Embarking on a career in education as a Chemistry teacher at Blind Brook Rye High School, Patricia taught, mentored, nurtured, and left an indelible impression on hundreds of students who came before her during her tenure as both a classroom teacher and tutor.  Ever the scientist, one could also often find Patricia cooking up concoctions of her own in the kitchen, or carefully measuring the components of her beloved Manhattans.

Her stalwart dedication to her children, family, myriad friends, and community at large was evidenced by her passion for justice, on personal and national levels. Ever a source of tremendous wisdom, Patricia was always ready to lend an ear; her compassion and commitment to caring truly knew no bounds. Her wisdom, wicked sense of humor, and most importantly, enduring love for those she so passionately tended to remain.  Patricia is survived by her children Kathryn and Thomas, brothers John and Robert, sisters Debra and Joan, and a multitude of adoring nephews, nieces, and godchildren.

In lieu of flowers, mourners are asked to consider a contribution to East End Hospice: https://www.eeh.org/ways-to-give/donate/