Beloved founder of Kozy Korner Nursery School was passionate about teaching children for half a century
NORTH READING — Patricia A. “Miss Pat” Chiango, 79, passed on Sunday, September 11, 2022.
Patricia was born in Boston to Pasquale and Helen Memmolo on April 13, 1943.
She met the love of her life and partner for life, Angelo, at the age of 11. Patricia and Angelo each graduated from East Boston High School and went to college. After graduation from Boston State (Teachers’) College in 1965, with a degree in Elementary Education, Patricia began her career at East Boston Elementary School, then taught at the Batchelder Elementary School in North Reading, Mass.
In 1971, Patricia founded and opened Kozy Korner Nursery School, in North Reading, which she operated until closed by the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020, at which time she was enrolling her 50th school year. Not one to give up easily, Patricia began tutoring at the elementary level as soon as it was safe to do so in the summer of 2021.
Patricia and Angelo married in 1966, moved out of the city, and managed the construction of their permanent residence in North Reading where they raised a close-knit family: son Angelo “Andy” Jr., daughter Laurianne, and son Daniel.
When not teaching, Patricia and Angelo focused on family and home projects in North Reading and their adored lake house until Angelo’s passing in 2018. After Angelo’s passing, Patricia continued to focus her energy on her passion for teaching, maintaining her impeccable property, and her family. She could connect with any child, no matter the challenge. Parents and colleagues were routinely astounded by her energy, ability and absolute passion for children and teaching, and the academic readiness of her graduating students. Those who knew her remember her as sweet, with impeccable integrity and determination. She led a happy, productive, and healthy life. She missed Angelo terribly; she left us too soon, her legacy is strong, and she and Angelo are united again.
She is survived by her beloved family: son Andy and his wife Lori; her daughter Laurianne Galvin and her husband Barry; her son Dan and his wife Megan; her eight grandchildren, Chas, Courtney, Caitlyn, Samantha, Ashley, Kristen, Olivia, and Alexander; her brother Sam and his wife Diana; her brother and sister-in-law, Augie and Linda; and many close friends and neighbors. They, and well more than 1,200 graduates of Kozy Korner Nursery will miss her dearly.
There will be a private ceremony to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the North Reading Dollars for Scholars. For more information contact the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home at www.burkemagliozzi.com.
