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WORCESTER, Mass. - Patricia (Proko) Morris, 65, died peacefully Tuesday, May 15, 2012 in the Ichabod Washburn Hospice Residence with her family by her side.
Her husband, Robert J. Morris, Jr. died in 2007.
She leaves a brother, Paul Proko of Holden; sister, Katherine Arakelian and her husband Seth of Holden; a nephew, Seth Arakelian, and four nieces, Andrea Adams and her husband Lars, Alexis Arakelian, Despina, and Deanna Proko, all of whom she treated like her own children.
Born in Worcester, daughter of Thomas E. and Despina (Bessie) Proko, she graduated from South High School, Anna Maria College, and obtained a M.A. at Worcester State University. She lived for a brief time in Rutland, spent 25 years in Paxton before moving back to Worcester in 2008.
Patti was a dedicated and conscientious teacher at Wachusett Regional High School in Holden for 35 years, retiring in 2004. Giving to others being her priority, she then volunteered for the Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester, as well as at the St. Mary's Childcare Center. She was honored by the Albanian Orthodox Archdiocese in 2010, receiving the Herald of St. Constantine & Helen medal for her tireless work on behalf of her beloved parish, St. Mary's Albanian Orthodox Church where she also served as church school director for 12 years, founded and coordinated the monthly senior social, served multiple terms as an officer on the parish council, was a member and past president of the Woman's Guild, and worked on every Albanian Festival save the last due to illness.
She faced adversity with strength, courage and dignity. Patti had a kind, gentle and gracious manner, was an extraordinary daughter, wife, sister, godmother, aunt, and friend to many.
Her family would like to thank the staff at UMass Memorial Medical Center, Holy Trinity Eastern Orthodox Nursing & Rehabilitation Center and its Washburn Hospice Residence, and the Visiting Angels for the professionalism and compassion shown throughout Patti's illness.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 18 in St. Mary's Albanian Orthodox Church, 535 Salisbury St. Burial will be in Hope Cemetery. Calling hours in the church will be from 4 tp 8 p.m. Thursday, May 17.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary's Albanian Orthodox Church Endowment Fund, 535 Salisbury St., Worcester 01609 or to Holy Trinity Eastern Orthodox Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, 300 Barber Ave., Worcester 01606.
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