The Kindest Heart: Remembering Pat Morrissey

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Dr. Patricia (Pat) Morrissey, co-founder of Morrissey Compton, Inc., on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. Pat’s passion, vision, and unwavering commitment were instrumental in shaping our mission and the community we continue to serve. She is survived by her brother, Dan Morrissey, and his wife, Kathryn, of Omaha, NE; her nephew, Joe Morrissey, of Minneapolis; and her niece, Dr. Colleen Morrissey, her husband, Dr. Sean Kamperman, and their daughter, Nora, of Lawrence, KS.

This loss comes just six months after the passing of Carolyn Compton, Pat’s dear friend and partner in founding Morrissey Compton. Together, they built a legacy of compassion, service, and dedication that continues to guide our work every day. As we grieve this profound loss, we also celebrate Pat and Carolyn’s lasting impact and the countless lives they changed through their shared dream and leadership.

Pat’s journey into special education began when she moved from Nebraska to California. Hoping to teach third grade in Palo Alto, she was instead offered a position working with students with learning disabilities—a decision that became her life’s calling. Reflecting on her philosophy, Pat once said, “All kids deserve respect. They have good ideas.” This belief guided her decades of service as an educator, leader, and advocate for children with learning differences.

Pat earned her B.A. in Elementary Education from Wayne State College in Nebraska and her M.A. in Special Education from San Francisco State University. She later completed her Doctorate in Education, Organization, and Leadership at the University of San Francisco.

From 1964 to 1970, Pat taught special education, and from 1970 to 1982, she served as Director of Special Education for the South County Cooperative in Menlo Park. She also shared her expertise by teaching educational professionals at the University of Alaska, San Francisco State University, San Jose State University, and Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont. Her scholarly contributions included publications on curriculum language development and the long-term effects of the Slingerland program on students, and she served for several years as a consulting editor for the Intervention in Special Education journal.

Pat’s influence extended far beyond the classroom—through her leadership and mentorship, she helped countless educators and families better understand and support students with learning differences. Her compassion, integrity, and belief in the potential of every child remain the heart of Morrissey Compton’s mission.

As a community, we mourn alongside Pat’s family, friends, and colleagues. Her vision and compassion remain at the heart of Morrissey Compton, inspiring us to carry forward the work she so deeply believed in.

A celebration of Pat’s life is planned for January 2026. Further details will be shared soon.