Obituary of Patricia Anne Ennes

Patricia Anne Ennes (“Pat”, “Grandma”) passed away in peace on October 3, 2018 at Duke University Hospital after a brave fight against cancer. 

Pat is survived by her mother, Ann Elizabeth Long (Adams) of Ann Arbor, MI; her sons and daughter in laws, Charles & Karen Johnson of Chapel Hill, NC and Rob & Joy Johnson of Concord, NC; her four grandchildren (Haley, Matthew, Leah, & Sophia); and her best friend/roommate/caregiver, Joann Westfall (“Jo”).

In addition, she is survived by her brother, Charles Long and his wife Barbara; sister Mary Antonelli and long-time partner Ross McIntosh; sister Cindy Huben and her husband Joe; sister Betsy Taylor and her husband Terry; sister Anne Long and long-time partner Charles Bamberger; sister Margaret White and her husband Lou; father of her children, Glenn Johnson; and numerous loving nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, co-workers, and friends. 

She is preceded in death by her husband, John Joseph Ennes “Jack” and her father, Sylvester Francis Long.

Pat was born on August 9, 1948 in Providence, RI to Sylvester and Ann Long.  She spent the majority of her life in Rhode Island, New York, Illinois, Connecticut, and North Carolina.  She earned her Masters Degree in Psychology/Counseling from Western Connecticut State University.  Occupations included mental health counselor/therapist and school bus driver.

A loving wife to Jack, the two shared thirteen years of happy marriage.  A nurturing mother, Pat was known to always be there when good advice was needed.  An energetic grandmother who liked to dance with the kids, she was known affectionately as “Hip Grandma Pat”.  A dedicated companion, she and Jo enjoyed several years of special friendship leading up to her passing. 

A gifted athlete herself, she was a passionate fan of Duke basketball, the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, and New England Patriots.  She was best known for her positive outlook, friendly attitude, and empathetic heart of gold.  She was an admirer of nature, her dogs, the “simple things”, and the ocean.  In her later years, as she was beating cancer, she earned the nickname “Warrior Woman”.  Every day, she tried to embody one of her favorite phrases, “Carpe Diem”.

Pat was a faithful member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church.  Deep gratitude is offered to the multiple doctors and nurses who have provided unrelenting care the last several years, with special thanks to Dr. Andrew Berchuck, Charlotte Gilbert, and the entire oncology team at Duke University Medical.

A Mass of Christian burial was held Tuesday, October 9 at 9:30am at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 940 Carmichael St, Chapel Hill NC.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Pat, donations may be made to the Duke Cancer Institute, 710 West Main St Suite 200, Durham NC 27701.  Please make checks payable to “Duke Ovarian Cancer”.  Alternatively, access online via cancer.duke.edu.