Patricia N. Ormsby

If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever. Patricia N. (Downey) Ormsby, a talented local artist, world-traveler and beloved family member and friend, died Sunday, March 27, 2016 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. She was 78 years old. Best known for her quick wit, active lifestyle and creative spirit, Patricia lived most of her life in West Springfield with her family. She was born in Pittsfield, Mass., on March 18, 1938 and was a resident of West Springfield for over 50 years. Patricia is survived by her greatest joys in life, her three children; Kathleen Weiss (and husband John); Timothy Ormsby; and Thomas Ormsby; and five grandchildren, Brittany and Alex Weiss; and Samantha, Erin and Meghan Ormsby. She also leaves behind a sister, Noreen Downey, a niece Heidi Johnson and many nieces and nephews, cousins and loved ones. Patricia is the daughter of the late Thomas and Lenora (McCormick) Downey of Pittsfield, Mass. Patricia was raised in Pittsfield, Mass., and was a 1955 graduate of St. Joseph’s High School and a 1958 graduate of the New England Baptist Hospital’s School of Nursing in Boston. She went on to become a registered nurse, and taught natural childbirth classes. After having three children of her own, she worked as a stay-at-home mother until she co-founded Ormsby Insurance Agency with her then-husband, Richard Ormsby. Following her retirement from Ormsby Insurance Agency in 1990 she remained very active in the community by painting pictures of local hallmarks around town, showcasing her artwork at libraries, banks, art exhibits and galleries. Patricia lived her life with an open-mind and a free spirit that was guided by her faith, values and desire to make the most of every day, case in point: Patricia was our fearless leader, who jumped out of an airplane at 74-years-old, skydiving on Cape Cod with her children and grandchildren. Among many other valuable life lessons, she taught her grandchildren to never lose their sense of wonder. She was best known as being a lifelong learner with an inquisitive mind and sharp sense of humor. She enjoyed tending to her garden, painting, volunteering for DCF foster care reviews, convincing everyone to be a democrat, and making her favorite thing for dinner… a reservation. Patricia was a former member of the West Springfield Arts Council, Ramapogue Women’s Club, and a member of the Wednesday Wino Bridge Group. Patricia was blessed with many dear friends who she shared her love of traveling, theater, playing bridge and sharing stories. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, April 2 at the West Springfield Curran-Jones Funeral Home Saturday at 9:00am with Liturgy in St. Thomas the Apostle Church at 11:00 a.m., followed by a burial in St. Thomas Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held prior to the funeral Saturday from 9:00 – 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to “MaryAnne’s Kids”, a local fund established to provide foster children the opportunity to pursue their interests in music, dance and art. http://chd.org/donate/