Patricia Neligan Tohill

Patricia Neligan Tohill, age 82, a devout Catholic, passed peacefully on November 16, 2013, surrounded by family. Devoted wife, loving mother and doting grandmother and proud great-grandmother, she moved to Maryville after the death of her husband, Leo, Sr. to be closer to her family. Patricia and Leo were married in 1951 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church (OLPH) in Chattanooga, TN, where they raised their family. When Southern Railway moved Patricia and Leo to Irondale Alabama, Patricia could often be seen on EWTN TV attending the daily mass. While living in Maryville, Patricia was a parishioner of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Alcoa. The daughter of Patrick Raymond Neligan and Frances Arnett Neligan, Patricia entered the first 1st grade class of OLPH grade school and 12 years later graduated from Notre Dame High School. Patricia was an accomplished seamstress, making clothing for herself and her family. As an avid reader Patricia introduced her children to the world of literature with weekly trips to the library. She was a longtime member of Al-Anon, and also took calls for the Crisis Center hotline in Birmingham, Alabama. Her son-in-law Earl introduced her to UT sports, and she quickly became an avid fan. Everyone knew not to disturb Patricia while she was enjoying a game. She also had a green thumb with flowers. Patricia was very active in the OLPH, St. Barnabas, and Our Lady of Fatima parishes. Because Patricia lived by the Golden Rule, she loved and was loved by those who knew and cared for her. Besides her husband Leo and parents, Patricia was preceded in death by her sister Kathleen Neligan, in laws Doug Herbst, Ed Steiner Jr, Michael Tohill, John and Dorothy Tohill, Winnie Tohill, Doug Ruddle, Louise (Tohill) Ross, Joe and Eileen (Tohill) Loiacono. Patricia is survived by her 5 children, 9 grandchildren (gc) and 5 great grandchildren: Earl and Judy (Tohill) Brown, Victor and Renee (gc); Kathleen (Tohill) Christopher, Erin, Brendon (gc); Leo Tohill and Irene Komor, Miriam and Isha (gc); Martin and Marie Tohill, Annie, Sarah, Martin II (gc); Tom Tohill; and sisters Mary (Neligan) Steiner; Ed and Emily (Neligan, Herbst) Ginley and numerous nieces and nephews. We will all miss her gentle heart and loving hands. Family will receive friends at Smith Funeral Home, Maryville, TN. www.SmithMaryville.com 865-983-1000, on Tuesday, November 19 from 5:30-6:30 followed by the rosary. The funeral mass will be at 11:00 am on Wednesday, Nov 20 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church 501 S. Moore Rd in Chattanooga, TN, preceded by an hour of visitation, and followed by burial at Mt Olivet Cemetery. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Patricia Neligan Tohill please visit our Sympathy Store.