Frances “Patty” Welsh
Age 92, of Montour Falls, NY, passed away on Friday December 9, 2016 at Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility.
Patty was born on April 18, 1924 in Astoria, New York to Walter and Francis Rockefeller Welsh. Her early childhood years were spent with her mother, who was a nurse. At the age of 10, Patty moved to the Craig Developmental Center in Sonyea, NY where she lived and helped to care for many children who lived there as well. In 1980, Patty moved to Schuyler County where she lived the remaining years of her life in the communities of Odessa, Watkins Glen and Montour Falls.
Patty loved being a caregiver. She followed in her mother’s footsteps and was devoted to learning about healthcare and nursing. Patty spent many hours helping to lead wellness and first aid groups and assisting in the nurse’s office at her day program. Patty was a very social woman who made friends easily. She loved to sew, drink coffee, listen to music, play bingo and bake desserts. Patty’s faith was important to her and she often participated in mass on television.
Patty was predeceased by her parents, her siblings Eugene and Winifred, and special friend Tom “Tom Cat” Nicastle. She is survived by her dear friend Linda, who Patty took care of as a child at Craig, special friend and advocate Betsy Hoffmeier, as well as many friends and care givers from The Arc of Schuyler and Seneca View Nursing Facility.
Patty will long be remembered and respected as the feisty, independent grandma of many who would fiercely protect and advocate for those she considered friends and family.
Friends are invited to call at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Thursday December 15 at 11:00AM. A celebration of Patty’s life will be held at 12:00pm at the funeral home, followed by interment at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Memorial contribution in Patty’s name may be made to The Arc of Schuyler, 203 Twelfth St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891. You may sign a guestbook or light a “Candle of Remembrance” in her memory on line at www.RoyceChedzoy.com
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