Joy Griesa Weatherwax Jerrick Pattin, a former resident of Pacific Palisades and teacher at St. Matthew’s School, died on July 17 at her home in Lawrence, Kansas, after a five-year battle with endometrial cancer. She was 59. A native Lawrencian, Joy attended Lawrence High School, where she was active in Girl Scouts, cheerleading and swimming. After earning her degree in education at the University of Kansas, she spent more than 30 years doing what she loved most: educating students, K-12. She taught junior high and coached girls volleyball in Bonner Springs before moving to the Palisades, where she taught kindergarten/first grade and elementary physical education at St. Matthew’s. During her 10-year stay here, Joy was a basketball, volleyball and soccer coach and an active member in the community, from Girl Scout leader to PTA member. Upon returning to Lawrence in 1991, Joy was a substitute teacher for the remaining years of her life. She loved fishing, camping, animals, the Royals, exploring new things and spending time with her family and friends. Aptly named, Joy embodied a contagious spirit’always smiling and capturing the most life had to offer. She is survived by her mother, Elizabeth Griesa Weatherwax; her husband, Marty Pattin; her four children, Jessica and Jill Jerrick (and their father Michael Jerrick), Jeff Pattin (wife Gina) and Jon Pattin (wife Pam); grandchildren Bailey, Blaine, Brock, Forrest, Carly and Grady; and brothers David Weatherwax and Scott Weatherwax (wife Vicki). She was predeceased by her father, John T. Weatherwax, and two brothers, John Thomas, Jr., and William Stevens. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
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