Patricia “Pat” Kyser

Patricia (Pat) Hill Kyser passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 5, 2013, with her loving family at her bedside. She was predeceased by her parents, Harry and Leola Hill, brother and sister-in-law Ronald and Sonia Hill, and her beloved maternal grandparents Arthur and Eva Cope. Pat will be sadly missed by her loving husband of 58 years Leslie Kyser; her loving daughter and son-in-law Allison and David Wood, a loving son and daughter-in-law Eric and Carol Kyser; loving grandsons David and Michael Wood and loving granddaughter Erinn Wood. Pat is also survived by many special nieces and nephews; the children and grandchildren of her much loved and sadly missed sisters-in-law Helen Sheldon, Barbara Carr, and Phyllis Jones. Pat was born in Syracuse, NY. She graduated from Minoa High School in 1951 and after graduating from CCBI business school in Syracuse she changed course and worked as an EKG technician to raise enough money to pursue her passion to become a nurse. In 1953 she enrolled in the Auburn Memorial Hospital nurses training program and upon graduating in 1956 she received the school’s annual scholarship award for “proficiency in theory and practice”. She passed the RN licensing exam shortly after graduation. Although she worked only briefly as a nurse, giving it up to raise a family and support her husband, she has never regretted her switch to nursing and is rightly proud of her accomplishment. Pat was equally proud of the successes academically and professionally of her family. Pat enjoyed many activities and had a number of hobbies. Probably her favorite activities were watching her children and grandchildren pursuing their interests in sports and band. She loved listening to music, playing the piano and demonstrating her moves on the dance floor. In this past year she had great times at the Friday afternoon dance parties at her assisted living facility where the other residents and staff were entertained with her enthusiasm for dancing. She also enjoyed bowling and especially her good friends on the team. She loved visiting historical sites like Williamsburg. Her hobbies included reading, antiquing, refinishing, auctions, needlework, coin collecting, and genealogy. She always had a bible nearby and read from it frequently. Her favorite colors were the patriotic red, white, and blue. She was a great cook – her potato salad was sometimes challenged but never beaten! Pat especially loved to go out to eat and ALWAYS follow it with a chocolate ice cream! Pat loved people and loved to compliment them to make their day. She had many friends. She was a great listener and people often came to her for advice and counsel as they knew she was one that could give good advice and always maintain confidentiality. Her favorite quote was “The grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.” She had all three.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Willow Point Nursing Home for their loving care. In accordance with Pat’s wishes private services will be held at the convenience of her family. Family and friends are invited to visit at the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott, on Monday December 9, 2013 from 4-6 PM. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy in Pat’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association.