Patricianne Pacatte

She did it her way. Patricianne “Pat” Pacatte passed away at 81 years old on May 4, 2023. Born in Norwich, NY, she would routinely offer, “born ten days after the attack on Pearl Harbor”.

Pat was the daughter of Heart and Papa (Bob and Marianne Raftis) and eldest sister to Pam, Peggy, Penny, Mike and Marty. She was called “Aunt Pat” with great reverence by dozens of nieces and nephews across generations. Having an insatiable wander lust and commanding presence, her friends remember her with a “dare-me attitude”, “wild woman” and “sassy sister.”

Pat earned her Master’s Degree from the State University of New York at Albany and she was an avid Penn State Nittany Lion alum. Her educational interests propelled her to connect with a range of students as a Cobleskill High School substitute teacher for over three decades. Pat also tutored for many years at Literacy New York and served as an Election Poll Worker. Her favorite pastimes were gleefully playing cards and watching the waves lap against the shore while listening to her audiobooks. Yet, Pat’s unapologetic pride as a mother and wife was her measure of joy and success. Her most treasured achievement was rearing her five children and sharing adventures of Skip-tracking for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health.

Pat was married to Skip (d. 2007) 44 years, together, they had Robbie, Rusty (Carolyn), Randy (Donna), Julie (Dan) and Ryan (Jennifer). Her Mama Bear manner may have intimidated those her children invited near and often attracted a wayward brood. She was a home for ones who did not have one. She modeled acceptance and true love, galvanizing bonds for a lifetime that most would envy. A fervent parent, never a “helicopter” nor “lawnmower”. Rather, she taught, challenged and not-so-quietly demanded personal bests. Her care was shown in many ways. For instance, she was guilty of serving too many donut sticks to ten mischievous grandchildren, often scoffing at the disapproval of their parents. Jeremy, Jessa, Jerrad (Daniel), Erin, Donovan, Gabbi, Allie, Alyssa, Grace and Aidan all heard Tata’s loudest cheers from the sidelines, bragged as they earned her “word of the day” appreciation and hailed her blunt lessons. Each, with certainty, knew the lessons were always laced with love.

Though Pat is no longer with us, her witty, lively friendship and deep unwavering commitment will never be forgotten. The family will host community viewing hours in Cobleskill, NY at Mereness Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm St., on Friday, May 12th 5:30-7:30pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Vincent de Paul, 138 Washington Ave., Cobleskill will also be held for friends and family at 1:00 pm Saturday, May 13th immediately followed by burial at Bramanville Prospect Cemetery and an open reception. Memorial contributions may be made to Marathon for a Better Life or the Bramanville Prospect Cemetery.

Further information and the provision for online condolences may be found at www.merenessputnamfuneralhome.com