Patricia Ann Muchow, 77, of Hollywood, MD died November 9, 2009 in Georgetown University Hospital.

Born March 7, 1932 in Waynesburg, Greene County, PA, she was the daughter of the late Paul R. Randolph and Pearl (Roberts) Randolph.

Patty moved to St. Mary's County in 1941. She graduated from Great Mills High School in 1949. Patty married Clinton B. Duke, Sr. in 1951 and was the mother of eight children. In June 1971, Patty married Carl H. Muchow who preceded her in death on April 28, 1986.

In 1960 Patty began her first career, journalism. She progressed from a small "gossip" column for Leonardtown to editor of the St. Mary's Beacon 17 years later. Teaching, her second career began in 1987. For, eighteen years Patty taught religion classes at St. John's Catholic Church in Hollywood, MD. This was just the weekend job. During the week Patty taught at Starmaker Learning Center. Finally at age 74 she decided to retire from full time work. She continued private tutoring until just a few months ago when her health forced her to stop. Patty divided her spare time between St. John'sParish and devotion to the Blessed Mother.

Patty is survived by her children; Clinton (Jay) B. Duke, Jr. (Lois) of Hollywood, MD, Lawrence J. Duke of Leonardtown, MD, Michelle A. Cohen of Fremont, CA, Maureen E. Mattingly (Bill) of Hollywood, MD, Kim F. Chainay (Donnie) of California, MD, Meg R. Wolfrey (Scott) of Lusby, MD, Mark R. Duke (Diane) of Clifton, VA and Terry F. Duke (Connie) of Williamsburg, VA, her step-children; Dianna Draheim (Gary) of LaPlata, MD, Daniel Muchow (Pat) of Leonardtown, MD, Gerald (Linda) Muchow of Waldorf, MD, and Mark Muchow (Cindy) of Mechanicsville, MD, twelve grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren, three step great-grandchildren, and sister, Mary Jo O'Connor of Valley Lee, MD.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Alice Jane MacCall and brothers; John F. Randolph and James P. Randolph.

Family will receive friends on Thursday, November 12, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Prayers will be recited at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted on Friday, November 13, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. in St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church, 43927 St. John's Road, Hollywood, MD 20636 with Reverend Ray Schmidt officiating.
Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers are: Brian Duke, Bill Rishel, Scott Wolfrey, D.J. Chainay, Dan Muchow, and Kevin Corrigan.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church, 43950 St. John's Road, Hollywood, MD 20636.

Arrangements provided by Brinsfield Funeral Home.