Patricia “Pat” McGuinness passed away and went home to God on June 7, 2026 at Hackensack Meridian Hospital in Manahawkin, New Jersey at the age of 89. Born in New York in 1936, her family moved to Englewood, NJ where she attended Saint Cecilia High School and made wonderful life long friends. Pat then moved with her family to Bergenfield and commuted to Mount Saint Vincent’s College where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and also made lasting connections with friends that continued over the years because of her loving, endearing and engaging personality.

Pat was employed by Bell Laboratories in Murray Hill NJ as one of the first women computer programmers of the Fortran Computer program which is a prestigious accomplishment.

Pat then met the love of her life, Joseph “Joe” McGuinness and they married in 1961 and started their life long journey together.

Pat and Joe moved to Emerson NJ where they raised their four children together with love and laughter and lived there for 38 years. During that time, Pat was very involved in the nurturing of her children and supporting their education, both academic and religious. The McGuinness family enjoyed summers vacationing at Seaside Park and making many lasting and cherished memories together. Pat was also invested in her community and was a member of the Women’s Club, Twin’s Mothers Club and a Girl Scout Leader as well as taught at her children’s alma mater Assumption School.

After raising their children, Pat returned to the workforce and had a successful career as an accountant at several companies which included Ultramar and Coastal Oil. Upon their retirement, Pat and Joe along with their son Paul moved to Four Seasons at Mirage in Barnegat in 2001. Shortly thereafter, Pat lost her beloved husband Joe after a heart wrenching health condition took him away too soon from his beloved wife and family at the age of 69 in April 2002.

After mourning her beloved Joe, Pat was able to cultivate long lasting relationships with so many wonderful people at Mirage because of her warmhearted nature, sense of humor, kindness and generosity of spirit. Pat thrived in being active and traveling with friends from Mirage and loved socializing while playing Bridge and Canasta where they all enjoyed the competition but more so the friendship, joy and laughter they all shared together. Also as a member of the Red Hats, Pat enjoyed socializing and forging more friendships and great memories through their many luncheons and events over the years. Pat’s dear son Paul, was a constant companion and developed a very special relationship with her while caring deeply and lovingly for Pat throughout their entire time living at Mirage.

In both communities, Pat exhibited her strong religious faith in her commitment and support of her Assumption and St Mary’s Parishes throughout the years. Pat’s love of God, Jesus and the Virgin Mary motivated her throughout her entire life.

Pat’s friends will remember her for her loving and caring demeanor and have had many laughs with her – they all loved her laugh. Mostly, Pat will be treasured and held in the hearts of her four children and four grandchildren who knew and felt through their whole lives that she dearly and fiercely loved them and would do anything for them. They know that they were all truly privileged to have Patricia in their lives so long. They know that God has blessed them to have had their beloved mother and grandmother Patricia in their lives so long yet not ever long enough.

Patricia was pre-deceased by her loving husband Joseph P. McGuinness. She leaves behind cherished memories with her brother Thomas Cooke and sister in law Carol, daughter Ellen Ford and Son in law John, son Matthew and daughter in law Cynthia, son Paul, daughter Elizabeth (Beth)Cheney and wife Christine, grandsons Kevin and Steven McGuinness and granddaugher and grandson Jessica and Christopher Cheney as well as a grand dog and grand kitties.

Pat leaves this earth with a legacy of love, life, faith and friendship and she will be dearly missed by all.

In lieu of flowers or cards, charitable donations in her name may be made to Saint Mary’s Academy 400 Doc Cramer Blvd., Manahawkin, NJ 08050.

Memorial Gathering will be held on Monday, June 15, 2026 from 3 to 6 PM at Barnegat Funeral Home, 841 W. Bay Ave., Barnegat, NJ. Memorial Mass offered Tuesday, 11:00 AM at St. Mary's Church, Barnegat, NJ. Internment of ashes will be held on Wednesday, June 17 starting 2 PM at George Washington Memorial Park, 234 Paramus Road, Paramus, NJ (www.BarnegatFH.com)