Patricia Chickering

Patricia (Pat) Chickering age 85, of Chambersburg, PA, passed away on Tuesday, January 23, 2024. Born April 25, 1938, in Glasgow, Scotland, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Elizabeth Shaw Graham. She emigrated to America shortly after WW II, first living in New York City before moving to Bethesda, MD. She earned a diploma from Strayer College (Dean’s List) in 1956 and graduated with high honors from the University of Maryland in 1988 with a BA in History.

An avid reader and world traveler, Pat’s lifelong passion for learning and commitment to service made her a vital community member wherever she lived. Her innate leadership skills were obvious to any colleague, and she rarely declined an opportunity to get involved and simply do the right thing. Pat’s love for the arts was most evident with classical music and she was famous for her ability to quickly and accurately cite composer and title of almost anything she heard. She effectively brought her wit, laughter and keenly developed sense of humor to bring historical sites and stories to life, always to the delight of her audiences. Pat never saw a map that she didn’t love.

Pat first worked at the World Bank in Washington, DC, supporting work overseeing construction of the Aswan Dam in Egypt. Later, she worked as a historian for the National Park Service in Harpers Ferry, WV. She was the office manager for Peerless Rockville Historic Preservation in Rockville, MD and served on its board of directors. She moved to Chambersburg in 2004 and was active with Chambersburg’s Institute for Retired Persons (IRP). She served IRP in multiple roles, including Director and Treasurer. She also helped form and incorporate the F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Conference in Rockville, MD and she served on its board as Treasurer for more than 10 years.

Surviving are two sons, John Chickering (Margaret) of North Carolina and Robert Chickering (Julie) of Texas; three grandchildren, Jennifer Chickering (Patrick Hoffman), Monica Chickering (John Hendricks), and Reid Chickering; and three great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John, in 2007. The family is grateful for her years of friendship with Steve Emery.

The family will host a celebration of life gathering on Thursday, February 1, 2024, from 4:00 - 6:00 PM at The Orchards Restaurant, 1580 Orchard Drive, Chambersburg, PA 17201. Guests are encouraged to wear bright colors and celebrate Pat’s life. Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, Inc., Chambersburg, PA. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages any act of charitable service in her memory, or a memorial contribution in her name to the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives https://library.si.edu/donate/make-a-donation.

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