Footy, netball fan farewelled

PAKENHAM’S St Patrick’s Church was filled to capacity for the funeral service for Pat Mandragona last Friday 6 February.
Patricia, Patsy or Pat as she was known to her many friends, died suddenly after a short illness.
Within the family, she was a devoted mother to daughters Jodie, Paula and Kellie and their partners Trevor and Tony, an adored nan to Ben, Nick, Thomas, Kate and Jacob and loving sister to Alan, Jenny, Christine and their families.
Pat’s late parents, Eric and Dot Stone, were well-known members of the local community and in particular the Pakenham football and netball clubs. Pat continued that tradition.
She was made a Life Member of the netball club like her mother, was a staunch and vocal footy supporter and hoped Carlton would soon win a premiership.
Pat remained great friends with many of her former basketball/netball teammates and in a fitting tribute, past and present players formed a guard of honour as her coffin was carried from the church. Family friend Jack Drake shared emotional but happy memories of their younger days.
In Paula’s loving tribute to her mother, she told that Pat endured many hardships as a single parent, but she soldiered on through hard work and a wonderful sense of humour.
The life of many a party, she even introduced her five grandkids to “happy hour” – a champers for nanny and champagne glasses filled with soft drink or cordial for the kids.
Pat had worked at Pakenham Nursing Home and previously part-time at Pakenham Hospital for 31 years, and many former workmates and nursing staff attending her farewell.
She will be remembered as a devoted and caring member of the nursing home staff and will be sadly missed by family and friends.