Patricia Ann Lewis, 85, Potsdam

POTSDAM - Patricia Ann Lewis, 85, passed on unexpectedly but peacefully with her daughters by her side at Canton-Potsdam Hospital in Potsdam, NY on September 15, 2024.

Trish was born on March 6,1939 to Richard Hudson and Mable Peck Hudson in Buffalo, NY.

Trish was a devoted and loving wife to her husband of 55 years William (Bill) who passed on in 2019. She was a caring and incredible mother to her daughters Carrie Livernois and husband Glenn, Norwood, NY, and Krisanne Bayer and husband Bill of Dobbs Ferry, NY.

She was a beloved grandmother to Caroline and Hudson Bayer, Leah Livernois and fiancé Evan Page, Montpelier, VT, William Livernois and significant other Krista Anderson, Miami, FL, Scott Livernois and wife Tracey, Meredith, NH, and an admiring great-grandmother to Hayes and Kira Livernois, Meredith, NH.

She was a dearly loved aunt to several wonderful nieces and nephews: Ginny and husband Jim Burke, Rick Smith, Diane Simonds, Jean Devlin, Larry Smith and wife Jodi, and wonderful grandnieces and grandnephews: Lindsay Burke, Ashley O’Connell and husband Sam, Rachel Simonds, Ryan Devlin, Samantha Devlin, Drew Smith and Tyler Smith, and two great grandnieces Genevieve Smith and Harper O’Connell.

There are also many dear friends, including Bill’s track men, that Trish loved like family.

Trish attended Williamsville Central School and graduated in 1956. She pursued a career in education earning a B.S. from SUNY Buffalo in 1960 and a M.S. from SUNY Potsdam in 1966.

After teaching various grades in Western, Central, and Northern NY, Trish took a position of assistant professor at SUNY Potsdam where she taught 3rd grade. Retiring to raise her daughters, Trish used her teaching skills as a professional volunteer in Girl Scouts and church school.

Trish and Bill were a match made in heaven and true humanitarians. They cared for others in so many ways, always leading by example to show others how to care.

She and Bill worked together on the county, state, and national levels with the American Cancer Society putting on fundraising training sessions. They co-wrote and presented a booklet on brainstorming that volunteers used across the country to raise money for cancer patients. Trish and Bill relished the opportunity to serve, travel, and meet other volunteers.

Trish joined the society of the United Helpers in 1989 and served for 22 years. During her years of service, she served on the United Helpers Canton Nursing Home Membership (Maplewood Campus) and the United Helpers Independent Living Membership (Partridge Knoll). Trish also served on the Finance and Personnel Committees and was a member of the Management Company Board of Directors.

Following in her husband Bill’s footsteps, Trish became a member of the Raquette River Lions Club in 2019. She served as secretary and worked to raise funds to enrich the lives of local youth, cancer patients, and those with vision impairments.

As an integral member of the Potsdam United Methodist Church for over 50 years, Trish served God in many roles including Lay Leader, Disciple Bible Study Leader, Sunday School Superintendent, and Worship Team Chairperson. Her work on the Caring Ministries team involved providing visitation to the Canton-Potsdam Hospital and local nursing homes along with the CheeryO’s card outreach ministry.

She served on the District Program Committee, and the District Council on Ministries. These experiences led Trish to rejoin the workforce as a Resource Consultant for the United Methodist Church, St. Lawrence District in 1988. She enjoyed helping many churches begin new programs and overcome challenges.

Trish’s steadfast faith showed us all how to trust in God at all times. She led what was to be her final Bible Study lesson last Wednesday, titled “How and Where to Find Wisdom” and gave her last sermon in June, titled, “Expect the Unexpected”.

Trish was a passionate life-long learner and steward of the earth. Throughout her life, she enjoyed traveling, camping, skiing, golfing, gardening, reading, sewing, knitting, baking, and painting. She delighted in supporting and encouraging family and friends in all of their endeavors.

Trish adored her family. Family gatherings were cherished. The love she bestowed so generously and unconditionally served to nurture strong relationships and create beautiful memories. Her family and friends loved her dearly and valued her wisdom, grace, and strength more than words can express. Trish will be greatly missed and forever loved.

Friends and relatives will gather in remembrance of Trish’s life during calling hours at the Donaldson-Seymour Funeral Home, 4 Cedar Street, Potsdam, NY on Thursday, September 19th from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. Funeral services will be held at the Potsdam United Methodist Church, 26 Main Street, on Friday, September 20th at 10 am.

A burial at Bayside Cemetery and a luncheon (location to be determined) will follow immediately after the funeral service.

Gifts in Trish’s memory may be made at the Potsdam United Methodist Church, 26 Main Street, Potsdam, NY 13676, and the Raquette River Lions Club, P.O. Box 723 Potsdam, NY 13676.

Arrangements are under the care of the Donaldson-Seymour Funeral Home in Potsdam where memories and condolences may be shared online with the family at www.donaldsonseymour.com.