Patricia "Pat" Mary Wood

Albany, NY - Patricia "Pat" "Patsy" Mary Wood, 81, warned her family and friends for years that "getting old isn't for sissies." Fueled by her rhetoric, black coffee, dark chocolate and devoted family, she fought a brave battle with cancer on and off for years, that ended on January 25th, 2024. Pat passed in the comfort of her own home, completely surrounded by those she loved the most – not only in her final moments, but in the months before her passing. Although heartbroken to leave her family behind, Pat welcomed her reunion with her father, grandparents, mother, and cherished aunts and uncles, all of whom she missed dearly, and believed had been waiting to help carry her over upon her departure from her life here. Thursday night, she smiled immediately before welcoming their embrace and returning to them. Patricia was born in 1942, two years before her adored brother John Albert in Albany, New York to their parents Edith Morisi and John Albert. She spent her entire life looking out for "Johnny," in his infancy and through the day of her death. Patricia and Johnny both were raised by their doting grandmother, Zahia "Mary" Betor and hardworking grandfather, Khalil "Kel" Albert in their close-knit Syrian home surrounded by their father and eight aunts and uncles. Pat's bond to her family, not only to her aunts and uncles, but all her cousins was intrinsically woven into her heart and being. Pat also appreciated and enjoyed the love, support and Italian influence of her maternal grandparents, Carlos “Charles” Morisi and Clotilda “Tilly” Rossi. Patricia graduated from Albany High School, in 1960, where she met the love of her life Richard Wood. Together they bought a home in Colonie, where they built a life, raised their children, and grew together as their neighbors became much more like family. Patricia and Richard had three children she cherished more than life itself. Her oldest, Richard Wood (Thomas Schiappa) reminded her daily of the importance of kindness, self-sacrifice and being true to yourself. She would brag about his generosity towards others and was spoiled by him above all others. Her only daughter, Robin Wood Miller (Hieu Nguyen) was her best friend and confidant who constantly impressed her with her patience, empathy, and integrity. Later in life Pat worked alongside Robin at the NYS Council on Children and Families where they made cherished memories and lifelong friends. Her "baby," Michael Wood (Helen Wood), was known for never leaving her side in infancy, childhood, or adult life - even buying a home, and raising his family on the same street as his mother. Pat appreciated his fierce loyalty, devotion to his family, and willingness from birth to provide care for anyone - human or animal. The child she bantered with the most, she left this life grateful for every dinner they shared and moment they had together. Pat enjoyed visits from her son-in-law Tom and his parents, adored Hieu for his sense of humor and home remedies, and shared a special relationship with her daughter-in-law Helen who showered her in affection, her favorite meals and treats. Pat taught all her children from a young age to always "stick together," and to "look out for each other." She departed in peace knowing that this personal priority in her parenting created an unbreakable bond between her children that will far outlast her time here with them. People were drawn to Pat, some of them stable, some of them crazy - we never could be quite sure; many of whom became lifelong friends. Her friendly, engaging demeanor, combined with her quick wit, wiser-than-age advice, and remarkable story-telling skills, made her a friend to all. Pat’s work career began as a switchboard operator for the telephone company. She spent her young adult years raising her children and working in the local restaurant industry, including several years at Lum's in Colonie. She then worked at Glenpeter Jewelers where she met Philip Alexander who became a trusted and dear friend. In her forties, she ventured out on her own, and opened her supremely successful restaurant, "The Lunch Box," in downtown Albany. Pat was a cherished community staple and built a family from the "regulars" there, particularly the local law enforcement officers who consistently chose to start their day with her. Pat sold The Lunch Box in 1988, around the time she became a grandparent; a role she relished and adored. From 1990 - 1995, she spent most of her time teaching her oldest grandchild, Nichole Wood (Naomi Wood), the hidden secrets of every Nintendo Mario's Brother Game level, and the importance of appreciating the classics like, "I Love Lucy" and "Bewitched." With each grandchild her heart grew, as she recognized and celebrated their unique personalities and strengths. Pat appreciated Catherine "Catie" Miller (Jesse Foucault) for embodying independence and drive, yet compassion. Pat was able to watch her flourish into a successful nurse. In the way life often does, Catie went from being taken care of by her grandmother, to being in a position as an adult to return that support through Pat's illness. Michael Wood (Kayla Ferraro) was relished by Pat for being focused and planful. Though we all know there is nothing he wouldn’t do for her, she loved to joke about how he would pay to rent her a car, before letting her borrow his own. Like his father, Michael purchased a home nearby to support the considerable amount of time he spent enjoying food and time with his grandmother. Pat enjoyed conversations with, and was proud of her youngest grandchild, Zachary Miller, for his clarity around his ambitions and passions. A questionable driver herself, Pat especially enjoyed the stories he would tell her about "riff-raff" on the roads these days. After her children and grandchildren exhausted her, she began filling her time with a slew of great-grandchildren, some that came and went through the foster care system, and some that stayed forever. Regardless of their life circumstances, or the amount of time she got with them, they were all hers. Pat leaves behind eight, great-grandchildren: Ally Curtis (25), Magan Wood (20), Donavin Wood (18), Mackenzie Wood (13), Malachi Wood (7), Teionna Payne (6), Lucas Wood (5) and Prince Payne (3). From her oldest son Richard, to her youngest great-grandchild, Prince – Pat imparted her wisdom and the virtues of life through eloquent songs about eating their food, monkeys going to heaven in row boats, and the ongoings of the Albany County Jail, that will stay with them forever. Pat's days were always spent surrounded by loving family and close friends. When alone she indulged in disturbing news stories (which she often shared with the young children) or studying weather patterns. It remains to be seen without her physical presence how long it will be before her beloved, yet unsuspecting family is swept up in a rare, unrealistic Albany weather anomaly. Pat loved shopping, gadgets, and above all, unnecessary purchases from QVC. Christmas and birthdays just got much more boring without the hope of ab electrical shock exercise equipment or identity theft protected fanny-packs. In 2016, Pat won a significant battle with cancer, but more importantly the gift of her sister, Carmina Miller (Jeff Stewart), and Carmina's three children Kevin Miller, Anthony Miller and Christopher Miller. Pat and Carmina were connected as siblings decades ago, but only brought together in this knowledge by fate in her final years. Despite the short period of time they had together before her passing, they formed a bond that far transcended that gap. Pat and Carmina enjoyed Bingo, family dinners and learning about each other and how ironically their lives and relationships had unwittingly overlapped from birth. "Aunt Pat" was a family favorite of so many treasured nieces and nephews, including her brother's children John Albert Junior, Jason Albert, Shaunna Harger and the late Kelley Albert. Passing before her, she now joins John’s wife, Gayle Albert on her next grand adventure. Her relationship with her husband's family was unrecognizable from that of her own, and she spoke about and cherished her relationships with her in-laws through her final days. Pat leaves behind, the late Dr. Andrew Wood (Mary Gay Wood), Beverly Squadere (late James Squadere), John Wood (Suzan Wood), sister-in-law Joanne Wood, as well as the parents of her husband, the late Richard and Stella Wood. Patricia wished to extend a deep and sincere thank you to her medical provider Doctor Ronnie Luyun for the incredible care that he provided to her, and to Doctor Gary Bakst not only for his medical care, but his lifelong friendship. Patricia and her family wish to extend immense gratitude to the staff at Community Hospice. Eileen, Cori, “Mary Massage,” Layla - there are too many of you to name, but it is because of you that we were able to honor our mother’s final wishes to be comfortable and at home. It takes a special person to do the work you do, and you have left imprints on our hearts that will stay with us eternally. Sister Mary Kay and Father John Bradley, your spiritual guidance was a blessing that helped to carry Pat on her journey peacefully back to Jesus. We are forever grateful to each of you for your support. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Pat’s family Tuesday, January 30, 2024 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany, NY 12206. Please enter the funeral home from the rear parking lot entrance only. Funeral services Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 10:00 am at Christ Our Light Catholic Church, 1 Maria Drive, Loudonville, NY 12211 where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated. The Rite of Committal will be held at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery immediately following the Mass. Her family would like to sincerely thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support during this incredibly difficult time. In lieu of flowers, please consider passing along the kindness and generosity Pat tried to instill in us to someone deserving in your everyday life. As our own world has just gotten so much dimmer, the light of the kindness we can show each other is truly what will help to keep us going. To leave a message for the family please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com If you want to make a monetary donation, please consider supporting the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Community Hospice in her name.

Tributes

Patricia "Pat" Mary Wood

July 12, 1942 - January 25, 2024