Patricia Ann Ross

Ross, Patricia Ann (O'Keefe)
Penfield: After a long stay at Strong Memorial Hospital, Pat died on Friday August 7th. Pat is survived by her soul mate, her constant companion, best friend and lover, her husband of 50 years, Bob (Robert E.), sister Barbara Jean O'Keefe, nephew Daniel (BettyLou) Schneider, niece Michelle (Michael) Das, and their children. Pat is also survived by hundreds of students all of whom were special to her.
Pat and Bob have been inseparable. She supported him through his undergraduate work "Fisher" and graduate work at Princeton University. He made his contribution to Pat's formal education at the University of Rochester where she earned her M.B.A. in 1973. Pat worked in both the private (profit and non profit) and public sectors of the economy until she happened upon her calling as a mentor at SUNY's fledgling, non-traditional, Empire State College. Pat embraced the College's mission of a well-rounded formal education for mature adults - one of the first Colleges to meet the needs of working adults. She was rewarded with the success of hundreds of her students who discovered their considerable learning skills and the confidence to become leaders in the real world. She served her students for 26 happy years. She chose retirement when it became evident that ESC was going to become a traditional college. Memorial donations may be sent to Lollypop Farm in her honor. There will be no Calling Hours or Public Service.