Patricia Hunter Standish

Standish, Patricia Hunter
LOUDONVILLE - Patricia Hunter Standish, 96, died peacefully at her home in Loudonville on June 4, 2025. A resident of Vero Beach, Fla. for the last twenty years, she spent each summer in Albany to be near family and friends while remaining active in the community that remained dear to her.
Affectionally known as "Pat," she was born in Albany on March 16, 1929. She was predeceased by her husband of 31 years, J. Spencer Standish; her parents, Mary Crane and Harry Malcom Hunter; and her brother, Malcom. She was also predeceased by her sons, Sylvester F. Battaglia and Augustus James Battaglia; and infant daughter, Anne Beaupre Battaglia. She is survived by her children, Mary Jo Kelly, Anthony A. Battaglia, and Stacie Pappas of Loudonville, Margaret Glassman of Wrentham, Mass., and Philip S. Battaglia Jr. of New York City. She is also survived by Spencer's children, John C. Standish of Sheridan, Wyo. and Christine Standish Wilk of Buffalo, as well as thirteen grandchildren and four great­-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Lee Breedlove of Albany.
After graduating from the Academy of the Holy Names in Albany, she enrolled at the College of Saint Rose, where she earned dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and Spanish and graduated in 1950. She returned to Saint Rose and was awarded a master's degree in English literature in 1957.
She led a very full and rewarding life with many interests. Family and friends will remember her for her jovial manner, astute commentary, wry wit, and, at times, mischievous fun. She was always impeccably dressed whether lecturing college classes, attending social events, skiing, or playing golf. Whether during the time raising her family in Albany, or in retirement in Vero Beach, Fla., she maintained an active social life, often in support of local schools, hospitals, and the arts. Over the years, she served on the Board of Trustees at the College of St. Rose, in addition to serving as a trustee at the Albany Institute of History and Art, the New York State Council of the Arts, and Capital Repertory Theater in Albany.
Setting all else aside, her life is best defined by her love and support for her seven children her devout Catholicism, and a firm belief in the importance of education through investment in our schools.
Perhaps what is most remarkable about her life is the amount that she was able to accomplish while raising seven children, teaching college courses, and pursuing an active social life.
In 2004, Pat and Spencer received Honorary Degrees from Siena College. On that occasion, Father Peter Fiore, OFM, a much beloved professor, author, and administrator at the college, made the following eloquent remarks about his friend and colleague, Pat, which captured her perfectly:
"Along with her many accomplishments, Siena College honors her today, most especially, for her 31 years as an adjunct lecturer in English here at the College. A model of style and motherhood, she brought to the students a genuine love of the literary works of Dante, Chaucer, Shakespeare, and Milton. Her commitment to the enrichment of the mind of each individual student is legendary. She was ever available to her students. She is the mother of seven children and yet she was always able to meet with students and write letters of recommendation to graduate schools, dental schools, and law schools. We never really knew how she did it."
With her marriage to J. Spencer Standish in 1986, a new chapter in her life began. As the then-chairman of the board and CEO of Albany International, Spencer traveled around the world visiting the company's many locations each year. In 1989, she decided to join him on his travels, which meant leaving her position at Siena. Still, they remained very active members of the Siena community for years to come. While it has been twenty years since they made their permanent home on John's Island in Vero Beach, Florida, in addition to Siena College, they remained committed to the causes that they had long supported in Albany such as the Albany Medical Center, the College of St. Rose, the State University of New York, and many others.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Pat's family on Thursday, June 12, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen St., Albany. Please enter the funeral home from the rear parking lot entrance only. Funeral services on Friday, June 13, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary of the Angels Chapel at Siena College, Loudonville, where her funeral Mass will be celebrated.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to benefit Siena College or the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, Albany Province.
To leave a message for the family, please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com