Patricia Anne Peacock, August 5, 1944 – December 29, 2018 (Age 74)

Dr. Patricia Anne Peacock (Speelman), beloved mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away on December 29, 2018, after a long and bravely fought battle against cancer.

Pat was born in Crestline, Ohio, but spent her youth in Piscataway, New Jersey, where she, her three brothers and sister all participated in building their family home. She graduated from St. Peter's High School in New Brunswick, New Jersey. An avid life-long learner, she received advanced degrees from Colorado State University and Rutgers University, ultimately earning her doctorate in adult vocational education. She taught adult education classes at George Mason University and Strayer University. Prior to being diagnosed with cancer, Pat had gone back to school at The College of New Jersey to pursue a teaching certificate in early childhood education.

An ardent believer in working to achieve one's dreams, Pat directed the George Mason University Enterprise Center on the Manassas, Virginia, campus. She also served as the Director of the Rutgers University Regional Small Business Development Center in Camden, New Jersey. At both of these centers, Pat helped small business owners develop business plans and launch their start-up companies.

A trailblazer for women, Pat was named Melita's New Jersey Woman of the Year in 1993. In 1999, the YWCA honored her with the TWIN award, a Tribute to Women and INdustry.

Pat is predeceased by her parents, Daniel and Roseanne Speelman, sister Christine Spears and brother, Jim Speelman. She is survived by her two daughters and sons-in-law, Carolyn and David Kwieraga and Kristin and Ron Menapace, her six grandchildren, Amanda and Noelle Kwieraga and Paige, Henry, Claire and Julianne Menapace, as well as her brother Steve Speelman and brother and sister-in-law Tom and Sally Speelman.

Throughout her life, family was Pat's inspiration and joy. She was always ready to play a game, design a craft, read a story, go on an adventure, or just spend time with her children and grandchildren. In 2011, Pat retired to join her daughter, Kristin, and son-in-law, Ron, in Princeton to help raise their four children.

Pat cherished her Christian family in the various places she lived. As a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Princeton, New Jersey, she spoke fondly and with affection for her fellow parishioners, especially the children that participated in the Children's Chapel services she helped lead. She also inspired her daughter, Kristin, and son-in-law, Ron, in supporting the Princeton community, including the opening of their gift and furniture store, Homestead Princeton. In her free time, Pat enjoyed reading, sewing, knitting, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church on Saturday, January 12, 2019, at 11:00 AM, followed by a reception in the Parish House. Friends of all ages are welcome to share in the celebration of Pat's life. Afterwards, Pat will be interred in the church's memorial garden in a private family ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Trinity Episcopal Church children's program.