Patricia Connelly Cusick

“Pat”

In Tidewell Hospice in Venice, FL, October 3, 2011, died of complications due to a heart attack. On January 28, 1933 Pat was born to Harold P. and Catherine (O’Dea) Connelly. She is the widow of Dr. John K. Cusick and is predeceased by her sons, Michael P. and Peter J., as well as many wonderful dogs. She is survived by her children, John C. and Catherine P. of California, Stephen J. and David P. of New York, and Ellen M. of Oregon.

Pat firmly believed that those who can do, should do. Her extensive volunteer activities affirmed this, sitting on a Board or sitting behind the wheel. In Elmira, she devoted her time to the Steele Memorial Library, American Red Cross, Southern Tier Association for the Visually Impaired, Chemung County Cooperative Extension, Elmira Junior League, and Meals-on-Wheels. In Venice, FL she was on the Board of Friends of the Venice Library, baked cakes or casseroles weekly for Tidewell Hospice and was granted the Sustainer of the Year Award by the Junior League of Sarasota.

Patricia was also a devoted cook. For years, through her column “Wine Country Kitchen” in the Chemung Valley Reporter, she shared her original recipes in the guise of telling stories about her memories of growing up in Elmira or raising her family there. Her children’s friends readily and curiously opened the refrigerator in her home. High attendance at charitable events and board meetings was assured when Pat planned and created the menu.

Pat may have been one of her own best recipes: Take one redhead with a penchant for helping others, combine with natural intelligence, boundless energy, and keen insight into human nature; generously add wry wit and humor; sprinkle with determination; place on a Board or face toward adversity and wait for inspired and concrete results.

Friends are welcome to gather to celebrate Patricia at McInerny Funeral Home, 502 West Water Street, Saturday, October 15, 2011 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Donations in lieu of flowers are invited to be made in her name to the SPCA or to any of the above-mentioned organizations to which she had been so keenly devoted, especially to your local hospice.

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