Patricia Ann Dascola Cederna

Patricia Ann Cederna, age 91, died on June 20th, 2022.  Her husband of 60 years, Dr. John W. Cederna preceded her in death.  She was born an only child, a first generation American, to Pasquali (Patsy) Dascola and Emma Marchetti Dascola in the Upper Peninsula mining town of Caspian Village MI.  She attended Stambaugh High School where she was an accomplished accompanist for school choruses and a member of the Honors Society.  She served in the community as well and played the organ at church. 

After graduation she entered the nursing program at the College of Saint Teresa, but her plans changed when she developed allergies to sulfa drugs.  Just before the Christmas break, her supervisor called her to the office: “Ms. Dascola, you look worse than your patients.  You must find another major.”  At the encouragement of her father who had to leave school early to support the family, she returned to study elementary school education.  During her senior year she was invited to enter the Diplomatic Corps at the American University in Washington, DC on scholarship but elected to pursue a path enabling her to teach and raise a family.

She did teach in Racine, Wisconsin and Ann Arbor, Michigan, marrying her high school sweetheart, John Cederna, just before his senior year at the University of Michigan Dental School.  Following graduation they moved several times during his Army Dental Corps years.  After discharge they settled in Marquette, Michigan where he opened his dental practice and where they raised 7 children.  Pat loved being a mother and found her training as a nurse and teacher invaluable.  On any given day you could find her volunteering at the downhill ski races, housing hockey players, or cheering a child at the gym, tennis courts, track, or numerous dance and music recitals.  It was all about family. 

She will be remembered as a woman who lived out her Christian faith.  Mom had a heart of compassion and a desire to encourage and serve others.  She prayed every night for her family and friends.  Mom served in her later years not as a diplomat, but as an ambassador, in her senior living community!

Patricia is survived by her children, Dr. John P. Cederna of Cumberland, Maine, Marie Cederna Ellingson (Husband Roger) of Portland, Oregon, Thomas Cederna (Wife Debbie) of Jackson, Michigan, Ann Cederna (Husband Douglas Frederick) of Potomac, Maryland, Joseph Cederna (Wife MaryPat Lawlor) of Seattle, Washington, Dr. Paul Cederna (Wife Dr. Jean Cederna) of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Joan Cederna Moss (Husband Steve) of Raleigh, North Carolina, and grandchildren Allison and Hillary Cederna, Ian Cederna, Dr. Crystal Cederna-Meko, Jessica Golightly, Kyra and Kaylen Frederick, Saoirse Lawlor, Colin and Paige Cederna, Carrie, Carson and Allie Moss, and many great-grandchildren. 

A memorial service will be held Monday, July 11, 2022 at Bright Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions can be made to St. Catherine of Siena Elementary School at 520 West Holding Avenue, Wake Forest, NC 27587 or to SECU Jim and Betsy Bryan Hospice Home of UNC Healthcare at 100 Roundtree Way, Pittsboro, NC 27312.

Bright Funeral Home is serving the Cederna family.

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