Obituary of Patricia A. Steele

Diamond Point: Patricia A. Steele, 63, of Coolidge Hill Road, passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at her home. Born December 19, 1949 in the Bronx, she was the daughter of the late John and Helen (Solomon) Grace. Pat grew up in Freeport, New York, graduated from Freeport High School and studied at Nassau Community College. Throughout her youth, Pat vacationed in Bolton Landing with her family, staying at the Bixby Estate and Buckley's among other estates. Pat met her husband Bill in Freeport and married in 1971. Pat and her husband lived in Brewster, New York and Hartford, Connecticut, before moving to Diamond Point in 1974. Pat worked in banking and in insurance, and worked at Bolton Central School. Pat joined the Town of Bolton part-time in July of 1985, to full-time in May of 1990, and then became Deputy Clerk. On January 1, 2008, Pat was sworn in as the Town Clerk for the Town of Bolton. Pat was a local historian and enjoyed collecting the stories, photographs and treasures of the area. Pat assisted countless authors like Frank Leonbruno (who affectionately referred to her as "Patty"), other historians and genealogical searchers in their quests for local knowledge. Pat was also instrumental in the rediscovery of the Church of Latter Day Saint's baptismal stone in Bolton Landing that dates back to early settlement period of the Adirondacks and which is now marked by a State historical marker. Over the years, Pat "ran the roads", spending countless hours driving her children to music lessons, dance performances and sporting events. While on the road, her children would call out Jaguars, Pat's favorite car of the time. Pat's purse was always large and filled with snacks, bobbi-pins, sewing kits, safety pins, band-aids and extra guitar picks. Pat also dedicated endless efforts to various science fair projects, vocabulary lists and homework flash cards, and mending toe shoes and fixing dance costumes. In the past, Pat contributed her efforts to the Girl Scouts and Meals-On-Wheels as a volunteer driver. Pat enjoyed cruising with her husband in his 1936 Buick and participating in the local classic car scene. Pat's heart always had a special place for her beloved dogs Missy, Peppy and Hobbes. Pat is survived by her husband of 42 years, William "Bill" Steele of Diamond Point; her two children Kimberly A. Steele of Oswego and Chris Steele of Bolton Landing; Chris' wife Sara Steele and their son Isaac Steele; her sister Joan (Grace) Howse and her husband Gilbert; and several nieces and nephews. At Pat's request, there are no calling hours scheduled. A graveside service to celebrate her life will be conducted in the spring in Bolton Rural Cemetery at a time to be announced by the family at a later date. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to Up Yonda Farm, the Bolton Historical Society or to the Bolton Landing Rescue Squad. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guest book and wishes of condolences.