Obituary of Patricia Ann Obenauf

Patricia Obenauf, 84, passed peacefully on Sunday January 29th surrounded by friends at River Oaks in Clarksburg, WV. Pat attended Alverno College and Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. She then began her professional career by teaching elementary and secondary math and science in schools in the Midwest and throughout the Mississippi Delta. After obtaining her ED.D in science education and curriculum and instruction from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville in 1973, she began her higher education career at WVU. Dr. Obenauf began her tenure at WVU College of Education and Human Services. She served as a professor, administrator, researcher, advisor, and scholar for over forty years. She retired as a professor emeritus in Curriculum and Instruction. She has chaired nearly 80 doctoral student committees and written several grants, including the WV Department of education Coordinated and Thematic Science grant for $1.2 million and the National Science Foundation NRAO Green Bank Radio Astronomy Research Experiences for $4 million. In October 2016, she was inducted into WVU Hall of Frame. Pat conducted workshops for teachers, developed the Block Program and helped develop the West Virginia goals for science education in elementary, middle and high schools. She also served as president of the West Virginia Science Teachers Association. Pat was a long time active member of St. John University Parish, where she severed on the parish council, took care of the altar linens, cleaned and decorated the church for many years. She was a great mentor to the students of the parish. She also supported many organizations in the Morgantown Area. Friends and family will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., on Thursday, February 2, 2017 from 3 PM to 7 PM with a celebration of her life starting at 6 PM. A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, February 3, at 11 AM at St John University Parish. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sarah’s Table c/o St. John University Parish, 1481 University Ave, Morgantown, WV 26505.