OBITUARY Patricia Moeller Gaylord January 18, 1933 – September 28, 2018 Patricia Ann Moeller Gaylord, 85, of Charlotte passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on Friday, September 28, 2018 at the Pavilion Health Center of Brightmore. A Charlotte native who was born in Mercy Hospital on January 18, 1933, Patricia was the third child of Robert Henry and Madeline Mitzel Moeller. She enjoyed a wonderful childhood in her home on Queens Road West and made many lasting friendships there.
She began dating her future husband, John Freeman Gaylord, Jr., while both were attending Central High School (now home to Central Piedmont Community College). Patricia attended Duke University and while there she and John married. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa and upon graduation followed John’s Air Force career to Sioux City, Iowa.
She earned a Masters of Education while working in the Iowa public school system. Upon completion of John’s Air Force service, they returned to the Charlotte area where Patricia lived for the remainder of her life. John and Patricia shared a lifelong love of exercise.
Patricia became an avid gardener and a dedicated member of the Mecklenburg Garden Club. She turned her focus on education to her children, using her teaching skills to help them excel. She developed a special interest in dyslexia and this led to many years of special education tutoring at Charlotte Country Day School.
As a tutor she positively influenced many children’s lives. Following the marriage of her three sons and the birth of her six grandchildren, Patricia also became known as Gi Gi, a beloved grandmother. She began to focus not only on the education but the happiness of her grandchildren.
She will always be remembered for the wonderful camps she held for her grandchildren each summer at Wrightsville Beach and for her exuberant holiday and birthday celebrations. Patricia met adversity with a positive attitude and a smile. She had a unique way of making people feel special as if they were the only person in the room.
She loved music, was an accomplished pianist and violinist and would spontaneously burst into song while doing household chores. She was selfless and chose to pour her energies into helping her family thrive. In spite of her illness and until the end, she retained her sense of humor, dignity, and personality.
Patricia is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, John F. Gaylord, Jr., three sons, John F. Gaylord III (Dottie) of Roanoke, VA, Eric “Rick” Gaylord (Lisa) of Weddington, NC, and Scott Gaylord (Leslie) of Weddington, NC and six grandchildren, Nicole Gaylord Merlo (T.J.) of Wilmington, NC, Eliza Gaylord of San Francisco, CA, Allie Gaylord of Roanoke, VA and Ashley Gaylord, Alex Gaylord and Michelle Gaylord, all of Weddington, NC. She is also survived by her brother, William “Bill” Moeller of Murrells Inlet, SC, a sister-in-law, Anna Moeller of Charlotte, NC and many beloved nieces and nephews. Patricia was predeceased by her parents, Robert Henry and Madeline Moeller, her brother, Robert H. Moeller, Jr. and a sister, Madeline Moeller Tyser.
The family would especially like to thank Patricia’s nieces who have continually added to her joy, and will also be eternally grateful to Sochil Perez for her untiring love, friendship, care and devotion. A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 5 at 1:00 pm at the chapel at St. Matthew Catholic Church with burial to follow. Visitation for family and friends will be Thursday, October 4 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Harry and Bryant Funeral Home.
The family suggests memorials to the following organizations: Holy Angels of Belmont, NC and/or American Cancer Society.
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