Patricia Jean McCord

Patricia Jean McCord, 68, of Shelbyville, peacefully passed away Sunday, February 12, 2017 at her home. She was born December 12, 1948, in Champaign, Illinois, the daughter of the late Richard and Marion (Bateman) McCord. Patty was born with Down Syndrome in a time of misunderstanding and misinformation. Her parents, however, insisted that she get an education and gave her the love and care that allowed her to have a full and meaningful life. She became a wonderful ambassador for her disability and contributed to the acceptance of her fellows all her life. She never met a stranger and spread her love and her “best” to everyone. Patricia is survived by her sister, Peg Dovidas and husband, Dick, of Shelbyville; brothers, Richard D. McCord Jr. and wife, Leslie, of Henderson, Nevada, Kenneth G. McCord and wife, Linda, of Orange, California, and John D. McCord and wife, Beverly, of Linton, Virginia; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She is also survived by her staff of angels: Julie Riggs, Lindsey Fuller, Susan Wren, Cheyanne Burchette and Penny Messmore. They showered her with love and kindness while taking care of her and she “loved her life” with them. If tears and kisses could make an angel, Patty surely has wings. Patty formerly worked at Shares, Inc. until two years ago. She lived most of her life in Florida and moved to Shelbyville in 2001. Graveside services will be performed in Apopka, Florida at a later date. Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Memorial contributions may be made to Shares, Inc., 1611 S. Miller St., Shelbyville, Indiana 46176.