Wooster mourns the passing of Patricia McVay Gorrell, longtime library staff member

The College of Wooster community mourns the passing of Patricia “Patti” McVay Gorrell, a longtime member of the Andrews and Gault Library staff who supported students, faculty, and colleagues for more than 30 years. Gorrell passed away on December 9, 2025, at the age of 72. 

Gorrell began working at the College in 1984 in the Audio Visual (AV) department in Andrews Library. When Gault Library opened in 1995, she helped establish what became the Media Library, managing and developing the College’s film collection as it transitioned from VHS to DVD. She worked closely with faculty to ensure that media resources supported teaching and learning across the curriculum. In 2011, the Media Library moved to its current location behind the circulation desk in Andrews Library, and Gorrell assumed supervision of the circulation department. Known for her reliability and care, she became a familiar presence for members of the campus community seeking assistance as well as connection. 

Gorrell met her husband, Mike, while working at the College. Mike managed the campus post office, and together they shared a love of music and community, values that also defined Gorrell’s long service to Wooster. 

Gorrell was especially devoted to mentoring student employees, taking a genuine interest in their lives and well-being. Many former students returned to visit her when they came back to campus, and colleagues often described her as “another mom” to the students she supervised. 

Wooster remembers Patti McVay Gorrell with gratitude for her years of service and the lasting impact she had on the College community. Read Gorrell’s full obituary here. 

Posted in News on December 19, 2025.