Patricia Clary

Tribute

Patricia Ann Clary, an accomplished educator, much-loved wife, devoted mother and generous friend, died June 24, 2026. Pat was born Oct. 15, 1950, in St. Louis, Mo. She was the third child of Adrian F. Wosman and Mary E. Wosman, née Volmer. She was raised in South St. Louis in the Immaculate Conception parish and later moved to the St. Anthony of Padua parish. She attended St. Elizabeth High School and became the first woman in her family to attend college. After graduating from Kansas City's Avila College, she embarked on a nearly 30-year career as an educator. She began as a teacher at St. Thomas More School in South Kansas City, where she later became vice principal and eventually principal. In 1986, she left to become a special education teacher in the Belton school district, leaving the familiarity of parochial education for a new challenge in the public education system. She later became an administrator at Yoakam Middle School in Belton and would eventually become the leader of Belton Ozanam Southland Cooperative, a special education school that served students with the highest needs. Pat's philosophy of "Always do what's best for the child" continued through her career until her retirement in 2001. While a student at Avila, Pat met David A. Clary. Pat and Dave were married on June 23, 1973. They settled in Kansas City's Waldo neighborhood and had two children, Erin and Matt. Pat and Dave separated in 1991 and later divorced, but maintained a lifelong connection as friends and co-parents. On Nov. 13, 1993, Pat married Daniel F. Fisher in Las Vegas, NV. Together, Pat and Dan pursued their shared enjoyment of traveling, hiking, and dining out, which took them to beautiful destinations around the world. After marrying, they moved to a log home on a wooded property in Peculiar, Mo., that would become the center of their lives. It was the site of countless dinners, parties, and afternoons by her beloved pool with family and friends. When she wasn't tending to her gardens, Pat could often be found basking in the sun with a Diet Coke, reading, taking long walks, or attending a dancercise class. But nothing brought her more joy in retirement than being "G-Pat" to Jack, Ben, and Kate, the lights of her life. In 2015, Pat was diagnosed with an aggressive and life-threatening cancer. While she survived the treatment, it took its toll. In her last decade, Pat lived with normal pressure hydrocephalus. The condition limited her mobility, and over time, other health issues mounted. But throughout her final years, Pat faced her challenges with resolve and fought to maintain her independence. She died on June 24 at the University of Kansas Medical Center from complications related to appendicitis. In keeping with her wishes, Pat donated her body to medical science. Memorial services will be held at a later date. If you knew Pat as a friend, teacher, or colleague and want to honor her legacy, do something kind to support a child in your life or community.

Friends & Family

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, John Wosman; her sister, Sue Schwent; and her brother, the Rev. Richard Wosman. Survivors include her husband, Dan; her daughter, Erin Royce, and son-in-law Greg Royce, of Jacksonville Beach, Fla.; her son, Matt Clary, daughter-in-law Melissa Clary and grandchildren Jonathan, Benjamin and Katherine, of West Lebanon, N.H.; her sister, Mary Frances Saranita, of St. Louis; her brother, Jim Wosman, of Quincy, Ill.; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.