Remembering Patti-Jo
On this day a year ago, Patti-Jo Shapiro passed away. Known as being a cheerleader for Lilburn, she was well-known and loved around town.
A year after losing her battle with cancer, Patti-Jo Shapiro is still heralded as being the unofficial “Ambassador of Lilburn.”
Her pride, love and dedication to the city will be remembered for years to come, and so it is on this day, August 3 -- the day of her passing -- that Patch remembers her, as well.
-- If you have memories of Patti-Jo Shapiro, please share them here on Patch. Leave a comment, upload a photo, or share this story with others. We'd love to hear from you. --
Although born in Connecticut, Shapiro spent more than 30 years of her life in Gwinnett County.
In Lilburn, she took on tasks of photographing and helping with a number of city events and groups, such as the Lilburn Farmer's Market, the Lilburn Business Association, the Lilburn Woman's Club, and more.
After she was diagnosed with cancer, the city dedicated its annual parade to her. In December of 2010, a proclamation also was read to publically thank her.
Then-mayor Diana Preston, was quoted in Patch as saying: "She means a lot to Lilburn. Her message is always so positive. She's like our No. 1 cheerleader.
When it came time to say goodbye to Shapiro and celebrate her life, hundreds of members of the Lilburn community arrived to honor her life and accomplishments.
A year later, how she lived and what she stood for continue to resonate.
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Thor Johnson
3:24 pm on Friday, August 3, 2012
Truly a wonderful life experience to have known Patti-Jo
Sandy McGuire
3:48 pm on Friday, August 3, 2012
My life was enriched knowing Patti-Jo and I were sisters by choice.
Still missing her energy!
Sandy McGuire
Pat Gabilondo
4:50 pm on Friday, August 3, 2012
I lit a candle for Patti-Jo this morning remembering her vitality and her dedication to this community. She may be gone, but not forgotten! Thanks for the lovely reminder, Joy.
Susan
12:56 am on Sunday, August 5, 2012
Yes, thank you, Joy, and kudos for being a new editor and so aware of what - and who - is important to the Lilburn community. You are a true asset to The Patch.
Joy L. Woodson
3:17 am on Sunday, August 5, 2012
No, thank you, Pat!
Gerald McDowell
11:17 pm on Friday, August 3, 2012
She was an incredible person - coming down Stone Mountain, she turned around to keep me from being alone.
Susan
8:50 am on Saturday, August 4, 2012
Patti-Jo was a cheerleader for anyone who needed cheering up. She coached me through a couple of bad times and we laughed together through lots of good time. I have many memories, but one that stands out is when she made education the theme for the Christmas parade and wanted to hand out diplomas to every participant as a souvenir. The late Mike Taylor ran them off and guess who she roped into rolling and tying 1000 diplomas? But, with my husband, son and his girlfriend helping out, it turned out to be a memorable evening. And my souvenir diploma is a cherished memento of what was important to Patti-Jo.
Patricia Biemiller
9:45 am on Saturday, August 4, 2012
You were a better person for knowing Patti-Jo. She is missed
Trish
Mandy McManus
11:45 am on Saturday, August 4, 2012
I agree with everyone above. Patti-Jo had a great attitude that was appreciated by everyone who met her. That is the number one thing i remember about her...her upbeat, positive attitude. She taught me how to always look on the bright side of things, no matter what.
Joy L. Woodson
3:18 am on Sunday, August 5, 2012
Thanks @Susan for the kudos. Still feeling my way around, but happy to recognize Patti-Jo!
Joan Clipp
11:25 am on Thursday, August 16, 2012
At Lilburn business or networking events, I was not a natural mingler or networker, but if I was ever at an event where Patti-Jo was, she made me feel comfortable and welcome. Miss her a lot!