Elaine Patrice (Patty) McClenahan

Elaine Patrice (Patty) McClenahan passed away on Nov. 6, 2010 at the age of 56, in Kalispell. Patty was born in Hot Springs, on Sept. 9, 1954. She grew up in the town of Plains and moved to Missoula for her freshman year of high school. She attended Hellgate High for two years and then moved to Chinook, where she graduated in 1972. She graduated from the University of Montana in 1995 with a degree in music education. Her emphasis was in flute and piano. Patty continued to work towards her master’s degree.

Patty taught music to children, kindergarten through fifth grade at Ruder Elementary School. She loved accompanying the Missoula Children’s Theater group. Patty was a member of the United Methodist Church and she frequently blessed the congregation with her gift of music. Patty was dearly loved by all of her students and touched by many lives through her music.

Patty McClenahan is survived by her husband, Charles Haugen of Columbia Falls; her daughter Mandi Fedele (Tony) and granddaughter Isabella Fedele of Helena; her mother, Florence McClenahan of Plains; and her siblings David McClenahan (Susan) of Plains, Mary Ellen McClenahan-Bartell (Gary) of Plains, and Laura Wood (Brian) of Loma. Many beloved relatives also survive her. Her father, David James McClenahan and her sister, Linda Carol Webber, preceded her in death.

Funeral services will be held at the Plains, United Methodist Church on Saturday, Nov. 13 at 1 p.m. with a reception to follow. The Service and reception will be open to all relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent for the benefit of her granddaughter, Isabella’s education trust fund. Please send all contributions to Isabella Fedele, 3799 Beechnut St. Apt. C, East Helena, MT 59635.

Patty was a bright shining star in our lives, in the lives of her students, and all who knew her. She will be dearly missed.