Obituary of Patricia M. Edwards

Walworth, NY ~ Patricia "Pat" Edwards passed away on June 2, 2024 with family by her side. Diagnosed in 2016 with acute myeloid leukemia, Pat fought with grace, cheer, and an admirable resolve to not let her illness get in the way of enjoying the life and people she loved. Pat is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Robert (Bob) of Walworth; children, Jeff (Annie) of Lake Placid and Eric (Kristie) of Fairport; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Nicholas (Kate Hale), Matthew (Lexie Volpe), Megan, and Toby, as well as Jessica, Kaitlin, and Julia Dorman; brother, Paul (Elaine) Menge, of Fairport; nieces Molly (Matt), Emma, and Norah Maguire; nephew, Alec Menge, and extended family. Pat also had many close friends, too numerous to name, who filled her life–past and present–with laughter, camaraderie, and connection. In addition, during her illness, Pat befriended a host of medical providers, many who cared for Pat as if she were one of their own; for this, Pat's family will be forever grateful. Pat was born in West Seneca to the late Edward and Pauline Menge. She graduated from West Seneca High School in 1960 and trained and then worked as an LPN following graduation. Later, she went back to school at the University at Buffalo, where she majored in English. In the late 1960s, she and Bob purchased the Arcade Deli; there, Pat helped run the family store and pizza shop until Jeff and Eric graduated from high school. In 1987, Pat began working at the Geneseo Migrant Center, where she advocated for migrant farm workers and championed a program that specifically helped migrant women and girls. Following her retirement, Pat embraced her lifelong passion for flowers and plants and became a Master Gardener through Cornell Cooperative Extension—Wayne County. She was known by many for her beautiful centerpieces, potted plants, and decorative bows. In addition to gardening, Pat loved to travel to see family and visit her favorite vacation spots—Arizona and Stowe, Vermont, where she enjoyed hiking, skiing, and kayaking on the Waterbury reservoir. Most importantly, Pat always enjoyed a fun gathering with her family, dear friends, and neighbors, replete with vibrant conversation, Pat's vanilla sugar cookies, and the occasional water balloon fight for the kids. She particularly loved hearing about the latest adventures of her grandchildren, nieces, and nephew; in one way or another, each of them inherited a piece of Pat, be it her love of Vermont, outdoor adventuring, gardening, art, justice and advocacy, reading a great novel, or baking the perfect pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. Pat's kindness, love, and zeal for life will forever be remembered. A private graveside service will be held for the family. Please consider planting a flower outside (zinnias, irises, and ranunculi were some of Pat's favorites) in Pat's honor or making a donation in her name to the Willow Domestic Violence Center (Address: Willow Center, P.O. Box 39601, Rochester, NY 14604-9601) or The Wilmot Cancer Center (Address: Bloch Alumni and Advancement Center, 300 East River Rd., P.O. Box 278996, Rochester, NY 14627; Tel: 585-276-4717).