Patricia Dorothy McCahill, age 77 of Madison, Connecticut, passed away on August 22, 2022, at Norwalk Hospital after a long battle with Parkinson's with her family by her side.  Born on July 30, 1945, Flushing, NY, she is predeceased by her parents, the late Philip and Gloria Grillo of Island Park, NY, sister Gloria Gunther of Island Park, NY and her late husband, James Thomas McCahill, of Madison, Connecticut.

Patricia is survived by her children her daughter, Erin McCahill of Sewell NJ, son Sean McCahill and Wife Holly McCahill and 2 adored grandchildren Cassidy and James McCahill of Alexandria, VA.  In addition, she is survived by her three sisters, Lois Foley, and Lori Grillo of Island Park, NY, Theresa Skidmore of Baldwin, NY and two brothers, Joseph Grillo of El Paso, TX and James Grillo of Island Park, NY, and 7 Nieces and 6 Nephews.

A loving mother, loyal friend, and educator she spent her life teaching physical education and coaching lacrosse, cheerleading, tennis and track at Daniel Hand High School in Madison, CT where she was instrumental in the creation of the Women's Lacrosse Program.  She was the recipient of an extensive list of awards and accolades throughout the years both in the classroom and on the field and has been honored with recognition into the US CT Lacrosse Hall of Fame (2010), Madison Athletic Hall of Fame (2013), Yankton College Humanitarian Hall of Honor(2012), and was so honored in 2019 to be memorialized with a special tribute at Strong Field in Madison, CT.

She was passionate and loved to teach the concept of sportsmanship, the 3 D's "Desire, Determination and Dedication" and giving back to others.  As a leader she encouraged others to strive to be their best, lifted those that were down up, and saw the potential in athletes and helped get them to their goals. She was known as "Shorty" or "Cahill", she could be found on the field or at a game supporting other sports and athletes from all over New England.

Calling hours with be held on Monday, August 29, 2022, from 4 PM to 7 PM at Swan Funeral Home 825 Boston Post Road, Madison, Ct 06443.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in memory of Patricia on Tuesday, August 30, 2022, at 10:00 AM at St. Margaret's Church 24 Academy Street, Madison, Connecticut 06443. Interment to follow at West Cemetery, Madison. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Carl Swan and Hamden Memorial Funeral Home, 1300 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden CT. Condolences may be expressed at Hamdenmemorialfuneralhome.com.

Memorial Donations can be made in honor of Patricia McCahill to:  Madison Athletic Hall of Fame and sent to:

Madison Athletic Hall of Fame

Ms. Chris Lena

RE: MAHOF

14 Governors Way

Madison, CT 06443