Patricia C. Bardsley

Patricia C. Bardsley of West Hartford, CT passed away peacefully at home from old age with her lifelong friend Janice C. Beauregard by her side on September 2, 2025. Born on October 7, 1924 in Fall River, Mass to James and Gertrude (Quinn) Bardsley, Pat was 100 years and 11 months old. Deceased before her are two siblings, brother Paul (died 1988) and sister Virginia M. (Bardsley) Meehan (died 2000). It was Patricia's beautiful smile that attracted the many friends that attest to her loving personality. She was an exceptional friend to all those who knew her, culturing lifelong friendships. She was kind and thoughtful in her serene way. For 47 years, Pat worked at Aetna Insurance Company, Hartford, CT. Her distinguished service record discloses many accolades. She was a Loss Prevention Underwriter before retiring. After which a list of volunteer posts detail her various interests, between cultural exchange travels that seemingly embraced the globe. Pat would glow when she visited landmarks on different continents, in different countries and in our own nation. When speaking and sharing memories on her travels one realized that traveling meant everything to Pat. She had a thirst for knowledge and learning the customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or other social group. One cannot forget, however, Pat's best and dearest friend Janice also providing Pat with many memorable vacations hopping from Caribbean island to island on cruises, touring dozens of our United States while representing the Pilot Club International especially enjoying eating lobsters and New England seafood in Maine or on Cape Cod. And who can forget the years of Pat pulling the "arm" or lever on the right side of the penny slot machines and attending the glitz, glamour, enchantment, and magic of casino shows in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and Connecticut. West Hartford's Town Hall Department of Social Services as well as West Hartford's Senior Center Bishop's Corner adored Pat for her consistent and loyal volunteerism. Always kind and flexible in assignments, Pat made sure to follow up on the wellness of those who needed help and care. As President of the Pilot Club of Hartford (an international organization), Pat greeted Hartford mayor Ann Uccello and other dignitaries. Membership to the Pilot Club of Hartford was by personal invitation. By the way, Pat traveled extensively up until the age of 95. Her love for theater found her supporting all the art organizations, including Albano Ballet Company in Connecticut. On January 15, 2020, when Pat suffered a stroke, leaving her with global aphasia, her lifelong friend Janice moved in with Pat to give her twenty-four hour seven days a week care enabling Pat to live out her days loved and honored by not only Janice but her many friends and caregivers, Carolyn and Jeanette. At 99 years and 11 months, Pat amazingly was able to vacation one week in East Falmouth, Cape Cod, as she had done for the past 20 years. Many memorable lobster bakes on her surfside patio with Liz and Glenn and especially this final one. One special highlight was her trip to Martha's Vineyard aboard the Island Queen, Falmouth. She sat at the open stern watching the seagulls fly above her head and smiled and waved to the passengers on the many boats that sailed by. This past October 7, 2024 Pat celebrated her 100th birthday with over 40 friends in attendance at a dinner held at the Far East Buffet, Wethersfield. All that knew her will remember her for her elegant attire for all occasions. She was a proud true American Renaissance lady all the way. In God's mercy, Pat's passing was peaceful. While we mourn her loss, we who profess to be Christians should also rejoice in the certain knowledge that this dear woman of generous love has returned to the Father who sends us all into this world. Patricia has earned her seat at His Family Table and is saving our places for the day we are called and reunited with her. All are welcome to join for a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Thomas the Apostle on October 4th at 10:00AM. The interment will take place at a later date in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Norwich, CT. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are welcome to the Alzheimer's Association CT chapter or a charity of your choice. Patricia's family of dear friends are grateful for your presence in her life.