Obituary of Patricia Sharon Daley

Patricia Sharon "Pat" Daley passed away on Thursday, November 7, 2024, just three days after her 79th birthday. Pat was born on November 4, 1945, in Wilkes-Barre, PA, to the late William and Mary Frances (née Horn) McGinty.

Pat was a graduate of Dover High School. In the 1970’s, she worked as a key punch operator for Exxon Mobil and most recently had retired from being an administrative assistant for FM Global Insurance. Devoted to her education, she went on to earn an AA in Fine Arts from Morris County College and later, over the span of a decade, achieved her BA from Rutgers University, taking one class at a time with dedication and persistence.

Pat married Thomas Daley, in 1964. She was a devoted mother to their daughter, Mary Fran. Pat was a community-minded parent, serving the PTA and working as a special education teaching assistant in the Wharton Public School District. Later in life, she was blessed with two grandchildren, Zack and Emma, who she adored and took great joy in spending time with them.   

Her commitment to family and community was matched by her love of art and beauty. A lifelong artist, Pat was most recently an active member of the Hunterdon Art Museum community, where she enjoyed the friendship and creative fellowship of her classmates. She was a true steward of the environment through her involvement with the Town of Clinton Shade Tree Commission and her passion for sustainable gardening.

Pat will be forever missed by her daughter Mary "Fran" Daley and son-in-law Glenn Ruhf, along with her cherished grandchildren Zack and Emma. She is also survived by her sisters MaryAnn Shaw and Kate Langley, her brother William McGinty, as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance on Monday, November 11th, at Martin Funeral Home, located at 1761 Route 31, Clinton, NJ. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m., with words of remembrance at 1:30 p.m. To send condolences, please visit www.martinfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, her family kindly requests that donations be made in her name to the Hunterdon Art Museum (https://www.hunterdonartmuseum.org/support/donate/), in honor of Pat’s love for art education. May her love, creativity, and generosity continue to inspire all who knew her.