Obituary

Patricia A. Dempsey

Mrs. Patricia Ann Dempsey, 88 of Queensbury, NY, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, July 19 at the Glens Falls Hospital surrounded by her family. Born Aug. 31, 1923 in Boston, MA, she was the daughter of the late John and Dorothy (Lavery) Doheny.

A graduate of Boston’s Rosary Academy and the Vesper George School of Art, she made her way east to Lake George, NY for summer employment at the Fort William Henry Hotel in the early 40’s. It was while working at the summer resort that she ran into a dashingly handsome local, James Dempsey, a solid Irish-descended beau, who became putty in her hands. The newlywed Mrs. Dempsey soon waved her bright and shiny Corporal off to fight in a WW2 B-25 bomber in Corsica, Italy. After spending time recuperating in a Tuberculosis sanitarium she was reunited with Jim and was ready to begin civilian life moving back to his hometown of Hudson Falls, NY. As the family business Dempsey Block and Steel prospered, Patricia gave birth to 5 children while settled securely in Queensbury, NY. Somewhere during all this fun expansion and adventure, she developed a card shark's skill at bridge, a talent that would come in handy later in life. Pat volunteered at the Glens Falls Hospital Guild for many years and enjoyed singing with the Sweet Adelines. Her passion and talent for painting and poetry touched many.

After a 22 year career as manager of Robert Gardens Apartments, where she learned the subtle art of keeping tenants happy, she and Jim retired to Naples, Florida. During this time, Patricia spent lots of time enjoying herself playing bridge, golf and the Red Hat Society. Retirement was good for them and their family loved visiting during the winter months. Eventually, they moved back to Queensbury to be closer to family.

Pat endured many major medical events with no complaint and always a fighting spirit. As a reward, she lived a long life, and was the central linchpin that held it all together. She was very proud of her children and grandchildren’s accomplishments in life. Patricia was enjoying life literally to the end. Her last enjoyable moment was a Mai Tai and Hibachi dinner in Lake George with daughter Kelly finished off by a Martha’s ice cream cone!

She is survived by her daughter Sharon Harris and her husband Greg of Dunellon, Fla., son Lt Col (ret) James Dempsey Jr. and his wife Jane of Dexter, Michigan, Maura Mark and her husband Ed of Goleta, Calif., Kelly Dempsey-Little of Glens Falls, NY, Shawn Dempsey of Lisbon, Me. And grandchildren Ryan Trombley and his wife Jessica of Boulder, CO, MSgt Adam F. Dempsey and his wife Caroline of Pomfret, MD, Erin Conrad and her husband John of Kalamazoo, MI, Kendra Mark and Erica Mark of Goleta, Calif. Jack Strange of Philadelphia, PA. Lyndsay Strange of Vail, CO., Alexandra Pellegrini of Olympia, WA. Great-Grandchildren Azure Trombley, Sean, Cathleen and Kieran Dempsey and Madelyn Conrad and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A pillar of strength in the bad times and a beacon of humor always, Patricia Dempsey will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved her.  Friends and family may call from 10-12 Saturday at Singleton Sullivan Potter Funeral Home, 407 Bay Road, Queensbury. A private Rite of Committal will be followed shortly afterwards at Union Cemetery, Hudson Falls.

A special thank you to Dr. Carillo and staff of the Glens Falls Hospital’s Emergency Room, the ICU, Connie Goedert and especially Dr. Hafer and Dr. Judkins, her nurses, and Sister Donna Irvine, for their excellent medical care and comfort. The Dempsey family would also like to thank the dedicated staff at Westmount and Pleasant Valley Infirmary for their love and support the past six years of our precious Mimi’s life. Condolences may be sent to www.sbfuneralhome.com