Pat McRae, age 83, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at The Newport Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was born in Newport News, Virginia, on February 12, 1942, to the late Bill and Nina Blaylock and was a lifelong resident of Newport News, where she raised her family of three. Some years later, she resided in Seaford with her husband of 20 years, Norman McRae.
Pat graduated in 1960 from Warwick High School. Here she began making friendships that would last throughout her life. Gifted with a fun-loving and outgoing personality, she rarely met a stranger and seemed to instinctively recognize the best in them. Her loving heart and generous nature drew people in, and these strangers quickly became friends who, along with family, sustained her during her life and illness. Affectionately, she is remembered for singing along with Bruno Mars, dancing to Happy Feet, and for the inherent “merry making” surrounding her spirit. Pat’s feisty demeanor and sense of humor through endless medical challenges were not only inspiring but amazing. The inner strength she always possessed didn’t fail her in times of need. Blessed to have been in her orbit and to have received the joy and love she gave so freely, we toast her with her favorite York Peppermint Patty or a glass of red wine. Forever, we will hold her close in our hearts and thoughts and will find cherished comfort in our memories.
She is survived by her eldest son, Mark Bradley (Kim), daughter, Tammy Lezotte (Dan), and youngest son, David Bradley (Amy). She leaves behind her five grandchildren, Sabrina de Boer (Martijn), Chase Bradley, Matthew Lezotte, Jordan Bradley, and Aiden Bradley. She also had a great-grandchild, Oliver de Boer. She is also survived by her sister, Nancy Taylor (Ron), and three brothers, Doug Blaylock (Christine), Ricky Blaylock, and Tommy Blaylock, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She had immense pride in her entire family and loved each of them deeply.
Pat held several managerial positions during her working career. In later years, her foremost position was with Avon Fashions in AR/AP. She later retired from Devonshire Assisted Living in Hampton, Virginia. She was a member of the Kiwanis Chapter in her area and worked diligently on their behalf. In prior years, she thoroughly enjoyed her time as a member of the Williamsburg Chapter of the Red Hat Society.
The family wishes to acknowledge their heartfelt gratitude to Nora Paschall, Pat’s best friend of 65 years, for helping the family navigate Pat’s recent illness. Nora shared her strength, laughter, and love with us as she had always done with “sister” Pat. We would also like to thank the attending staff at Riverside Regional Memorial Hospital and The Newport Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their kindness, dignity, and compassionate care.
Pat would be grateful for any donations made in her name to The Alzheimer’s Association, SouthEastern Virginia Chapter.
Expressions of love and condolences may be shared privately with the family.
3 Comments
Once a friend of Pat’s …..always a friend. We go back to the eight grade and bonded as best friends . I have memories I won’t share on here, but they will always make me smile. My love goes out to her family.
We loved our PAT. She was forever outgoing and loving. We can’t believe she is gone but she is not gone from our hearts! Much love to her children and grandchildren and great grandchild.
I can hear her saying “ there’s that Kkkkk “ with her beautiful big smile. Hard to explain people in your life that are always in your heart, even if not in your circle of everyday life. Heartfelt condolences to each of you. Heaven has gained a special lady.