One of Patricia’s proudest achievements was teaching in Fairfax County’s pilot Head Start program, a full year before the federal initiative began. Her passion for the program reflected something fundamental about who she was.

She struggled to turn away from someone in need and believed deeply in giving every child a fair chance. Head Start went beyond academics, recognizing that children also needed good nutrition, health care, emotional support, strong families, and people who believed in them to thrive.

Because helping others came naturally to Patricia, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to All Ages Read Together in lieu of flowers. Her daughter-in-law, Sally Masri, serves as AART’s Program Director. AART provides free school-readiness classes and books to children who might not otherwise have access to them.

It is a fitting way to honor Patricia by continuing something that mattered deeply to her: helping those who needed it.

About All Ages Read Together

All Ages Read Together (AART) provides free school-readiness programs for preschool-aged children who do not have access to programs such as Head Start and whose families cannot afford other preschool options. The program also engages volunteers of all ages in the lively and inspiring work of educating and mentoring young minds.

Weekly lessons center on thoughtfully selected children’s books and in-class activities that build the foundational skills children need as they begin their academic journey in kindergarten. Each student receives a brand-new book every week and will have built a 30-book library by the end of the program.

Thank you for honoring Patricia’s memory by helping more children have the opportunity to succeed.

If you prefer to send a check, please mail to:

All Ages Read Together
Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center
1086 Elden St.
Herndon, VA 20170