Patricia Leonardo McEachern, 70, died on Sunday, February 2, in Phoenix after a long illness from complications of pulmonary sarcoidosis. She was born in Washington, D.C., on November 28, 1949, to Earl and Mickey (Justice) Leonardo. The family moved to Phoenix when she was five. After graduating from West High School, Pat moved to Washington, D.C., and served four years as a legislative aide to Senator Paul Fannin of Arizona. While in Washington, she met her future husband and love of her life, Will McEachern, at the time an Army officer stationed in the Pentagon. After marrying, they moved to Connecticut, where Will joined the University of Connecticut faculty. Pat then earned a BA in Economics and an MBA from the University of Connecticut, and later passed the series of exams required to become a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). For a total of 25 years, Pat worked as an investment officer for Aetna and for Sun Life Financial. This included six years based in Hong Kong, first as Aetna’s Country Manager and then as Sun Life’s Chief Investment Officer for Asia. She retired to Phoenix in 2007 and with her husband resided in Esplanade Place, where she served on the HOA Board of Directors. Pat is survived by Will, her husband of 46 years, four brothers-in-law, three sisters-in-laws, eleven nephews, nine nieces, three cousins, and many dear friends. She was predeceased by her parents and by her sister, Toni Leonardo Lewis, formerly of Lewisville, Texas. A Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Thursday, February 6th, 2020 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, February 7th, 2020 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com.
John and Eileen McEachern
Eileen and I were shocked at Pat’s sudden death. Last spring she seemed to be dealing with her illness
in a manageable way. She had a very successful life . The two you had a true love affair. Your devotion to
her by constantly taking care of her is a memory you’ll always have! Love John and Eileen.
Alec L. McEachern
Dear Will, the lifelong commitment that you and Pat made to each other was beautiful to witness and will always be an example to your families and friends.
Laura H
She was such a good friend to me and I learned so much from Pat. The world will be tiny less brighter.
Christie Bull
Dear Will, I was so very saddened to hear of Pat’s passing. She was a wonderful friend during our time at Aetna. Fern and I were remembering when she and Fern arrived at my daughter’s baptism in their new mink coats…it was 70°. Pat was beautiful inside and out and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Linda Reeves
Will
I saw first hand the care and devotion you had for Pat. I am sure where ever Pat is she is smiling upon you. Take care of yourself now.
Steve and Totie Miller
Will, We offer our sincere condolences to you on the loss of Pat. We remember the many good times together while residing in Connecticut.
Susan
Pat was, is one of a kind. Her humor was probably the basis of our friendship. From opposite sides of the country and world, we always reconnected as if there was no time. Pat, you will always be with me on the trail. Happy Trails to you. Much love to Will.
WILLIAM BOYES
Will
So sorry to see this. Hope you are well. Will miss Pat.
Patricia and Metin Cosgel
Dear Will, our sincere condolences to you on your loss. Our thought and prayers will be with you.
Subhash C Ray
Thinking of you, Will, at this difficult moment of your life.
Having lost my wife several years back, I quite realize how devastating it can be.
I hope that time will heal.
Subhash
Kathy Segerson
Dear Will: I was so sorry to hear the news about Pat. I can’t imagine the loss you are feeling. I hope the many years of wonderful memories you have help you get through this difficult time, and allow you to find some peace going forward. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Steve Lanza
Dear Will,
I am so sorry to hear about Pat’s passing. Despite her long illness it must still be incredibly hard to have your time together cut short. Your devotion to each other was a model to all whose lives the two of you touched. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Art Wright
Dear Will: Marilyn and I were deeply saddened to learn of Pat’s death. We always enjoyed being with Pat, who had humor and warmth in abundance. Your joint presence at any event or party always added a spark as well as sparkle. Our thoughts are with you. Fondly, Art and Marilyn
Peter and Nancy Barth
Will,
We know what a loss this is for you. Our hope is that you find some source of comfort to ease you through this period. You knowing that your love and care for Pat were as much as anyone could provide to their spouse may give you some support at this time. We miss her a great deal.
Dennis and Sylvia Heffley
Will,
Sylv and I are so sad to hear about Pat, but we are glad that she was at peace and unafraid. We are sure your love and years of devoted care had much to do with that. We have fond memories of the times we spent with you and Pat when we first moved to Connecticut and until the two of you charted a new and successful course in the world of business and publishing–our loss, but an adventure for the two of you.
Let us know when you’re back in New England. We would love to see you and hope you will stay with us when you’re next in Connecticut.
Our love and best wishes,
Den and Sylv
Susan Sweeney
Dear Will,
I was so saddened to learn of Pat’s passing. She was such a smart, funny, warm friend in our years working together at Aetna. You two had such a beautiful partnership. Please accept my heartfelt condolences at this difficult time.
Susan
Francis Ahking and Paula Chieruzzi
Dear Will:
Paula and I are greatly saddened by your loss. We’ll also remember Pat’s warmth, her smiles, and how much joy she brought to the people around her. You are in our prayers, stay strong and healthy.
Francis and Paula
Jim Howell
Will,
So sorry for the loss of your wonderful Pat. I shall hold an image of you both dancing at one our reunions. Touching elegance.
Best regards old friend.
Jim
Candy Yuen
Dear Will, I was so very saddened to hear of Pat’s passing and am crying as I write this note ,looking back at the very fond memories of Pat. Pat was a wonderful friend during our time at Sun Life in Hong Kong. Pat, Natalie and I had so much laughter and fun together. Pat was beautiful both inside and outside. I will always treasure her in my heart. My warmest condolences to you. Regards, Candy .. from Hong Kong
Victoria Gallo
Dear Will, A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again –author unknown
Pat was the bestest boss one could ever hope for when we both worked at Aetna International. She was a great mentor and I appreciated her wit, insight and wisdom.
Still with you are so many memories to help you through every tomorrow. Still with you are so many people who share in your loss and your sorrow. My deepest sympathy to you.
Laura Santirocco
Dear Will,
I am heartbroken to hear this tragic news. I so valued my personal and professional relationship with Pat and our distant-counsinship through our mutual Leonardo family. She was such a wonderful friend, colleague, client and mentor and I know this will be so hard for you. The care and love between you all those years was so wonderful and I am happy that you helped her have a peaceful passing. I too have so many great memories of her including travels to London for work and seeing her in Hong Kong when she was out there. And she definitely had a terrific sense of style that is (sadly) lost in the workplace for the most part now. I’ll be thinking of you both with deep fondness and you will be in my prayers. Love, Laura
Michael & Anna Ma
Will,
I am sorry to hear about Pat’s passing. She was always cheerful, fun, and brilliant. I have really enjoyed working with her, and our occasional gathering together with you while we were at Sun Life in Hong Kong. We will all miss her. Please take care. Michael & Anna, Toronto.
Gail Johnson
As a former Aetna colleague and friend beyond I am so sad to hear of Pat’s death. She was a smart and talented woman who brought great perspective to work and life experiences. Her great sense of humor lightened any issue one was facing. Her witty comments always brought a smile to my face.
She was a friend to many and will be greatly missed.
Bruce Clark
Dear Will,
My deep condolences on the passing of your wife Patricia. I was reading the obituary of a local acquaintance when I glanced across the page and found Patricia’s obituary, and my wife’s research on Google convinced me that she had been married to my friend at Holy Cross. Will, it is obvious that you and Patricia had many accomplishments and fruitful years together, and we are sorry for your loss.
Jim Brett
Will,
I am so sorry to learn of the loss of your beautiful and charming Pat. Although we, have unfortunately, not seen you and she for some time, I always thought she was the best partner for you and vice versa. Please know I will keep you in my prayers.
If you get back east, Please give me a call
Jim Brett
Oskar Harmon
Dear Will:
I am so saddened to learn of your profound loss. Please accept my sincere condolences
Oskar
Will McEachern
Dear John & Eileen, Alec M., Laura H., Christie B., Linda R, Steve & Totie, Susan B., Pat & Metin, Subhash R., Bill B., Kathy S., Steve L., Art & Marilyn, Peter & Nancy, Den & Sylv., Francis & Paula., Jim H., Candy Y., Vicky G., Laura S., Michael & Anna,. Gail G., Bruce C., Jim B., Oskar H., and all those who may contribute here in the future.
I am so grateful to hear from you. Your words honor Pat and comfort me. After all these years, it’s been wonderful to reconnect with old friends.
With much thanks and warmest regards,
Will McEachern
robert moran
Will–Sorry to hear about Pat. We will keep her in our prayers as well as you and your entire family.–Mugs and Mandy
William Pace
Dear Will:
I am so sorry for Pat’s passing. You are both such accomplished and interesting people, and certainly a model of a happy and complete couple. Condolences to the entire family.
Sincerely,
Bill and Donna Pace
Brenda & Jim Hill
Dear Will,
Jim and I were so sorry to learn the sad news from Willy and John of Pat’s passing. Pat was such a beautiful and sweet lady. Even though we knew her for only a short time, we liked her immediately ( you too) and had such a good time with the two of you. We send you our heartfelt sympathy.
Brenda & Jim Hill
Katherine Martie
Will, we were so very sorry to hear this news about Pat. Everything about your eulogy to her tells us how much you cherished each other and your life together. We are thankful to hear that she was peaceful in the end, and now, we just want the same for you. I hope that when things settle down, you can come visit us in CT.
All our love,
Kathy and Chuck
Marc Reich
Will, I was shocked and saddened to learn of Pat’s passing. She was a good friend at the UConn MBA program and later at Aetna. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Marc