Pat Schryver of North Chili, NY, passed away at age 85 on March 3, 2022.
Pat was born on June 9, 1936 in Buffalo, NY, and was the daughter of Saverio and Mary DeSantis (Peschio). She met Thomas Schryver and married on August 20, 1960. They moved to North Chili in 1969. Their marriage of 60+ years ended with his death last year.
Pat is survived by her sisters, Alyce Gallagher and Rosemary Robinson (Hallandale Beach, FL); her children, Tom Jr (Cincinnati, OH), Susan (Jim) Dalton (Colonia, NJ), Lisa (Greg) Hassett (Rochester, NY), and Jim (Christi) Schryver (Spring City, PA); her grandchildren, James Schryver, Raeann and Liam Dalton, Alison (deceased) and Frank Hassett; her sister-in-law, Lynda (John/deceased) Fazzolari (North Collins, NY); her nieces and nephews, Corinne (Charles) Leone, John Fazzolari, Clifford (Kathy) Fazzolari, James Fazzolari, Jeffrey (deceased) (Lynn) Fazzolari, Carrie Lynn Fazzolari, Jeff Gallagher, Kim (Pierre) Carmi, and Dan Gallagher.
Pat started her career at National Gypsum, stayed home to raise her 4 kids, resumed work at RIT in the 70s, and finished her career at the University of Rochester.
She was close to her lifelong friend, Doris Orr (Pittsburgh, PA), since their days at National Gypsum.
Her retirement allowed her to be active in the community, volunteering for many years helping children to read. She was a long-term member of St Christopher’s Church. She enjoyed baking and hosting guests at her home. She so looked forward to Rummikub on Wed with the girls. Many of her grandchildren’s favorite memories growing up are their times with her.
In spite of multiple sclerosis, she lived life to the fullest. Until recently she was a regular YMCA member, in the pool and the gym. She proudly did 7000 steps/day on her home cardio machine. Her late husband, Tom, an avid athlete, was very proud.
She loved her home and her aides who enabled her not to just live there, but to enjoy her life. Special thanks to her aides Taylor Crawford, Rita Corvelli, Janet McCoy, Raquel Carboni, Kayla Heagle, Nicole Berna, Jen Gerling, and especially Robin Crawford, who made all of this possible. These special people were an intimate part of Pat’s life for years and she loved them dearly.
Pat’s beauty and grace were matched by her indomitable spirit.
A Mass will be celebrated at 10am on Wednesday, March 30th at St. Christopher’s Church, 3350 Union St, North Chili, NY.
A Celebration of Life lunch and reception will be held immediately after from Noon- 3:30pm at Red Fedeles Brook House, 920 Elmridge Center Dr, Rochester, NY 14626.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Dr. Terry Wahls Research Fund, for non-drug based research on multiple sclerosis https://donate.givetoiowa.org/s/1773/giving/19/interior.aspx?sid=1773&gid=2&pgid=509&cid=1288&dids=361.579&sort=1&appealcode=GFWEB
I worked with Pat in Rush Rhees Library for 10 years. She was a pleasure to work with and to know. May her memory be a blessing to all of you.
Pat and I were neighbors in North Chili and both enjoyed working at Rochester Institute of Technology, sometimes riding to work together. After our retirements we continued to get together for lunch and antique shopping trips which were always enjoyable for both of us. Although her disability made doing many things difficult for her, you would never hear a complaint. Her spirit was truly admired by many. My sympathy to her children and grandchildren. She was the epitome of a great and grand lady.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your families at this time. May your memories bring you much peace. God bless
For the past 3+ years I’ve had the pleasure of taking care of Pat. We bonded over baking, exercise, food and of course our love of being nosey. She taught me many things in the past few years like determination, the importance of memories being recorded in the form of photos, how important it is to keep files organized, how to bake kiffels and pies, and most importantly how to not let a disability stop you from enjoying what’s important in life – being happy and experiencing life.
She’s the only 85 year old I know that still exercised religiously. She pushed through every obstacle even on the days she didn’t feel good because she was not going to be stuck in a wheelchair. Pat has proved everyone wrong, doctors included. She could still walk even having MS for the time that she did, she still did squats, rode a bike for 80 minutes a day (more exercise than I ever did, I couldn’t tell her that though).
Pat had the best support system I’ve ever seen from us group of aides but most importantly her unwavering support from her sons who would give her the world if she wanted it. In my 6+ years of healthcare I’ve never seen a women have so much opportunity.
This year we still experienced firsts like painting pumpkins – she was so proud of her pumpkins. She was also on a kick of wanting her ears pierced and I’ve never seen her so happy then when she got an early Valentine’s Day gift from Christi and Jim which were magnetic earrings!
I’ve learned so much about history and of her family through her and her sisters Alyce and Rosemary. I genuinely feel like I’m part of their family and that this wasn’t just a job. So, I wanted to say thank you for allowing me into your family, trusting me with your recipes, teaching me history and teaching me that you can do anything if you keep your eye on the goal.
I know you’re back with your husband, which you wanted so badly, but you have a lot people who wish you were still here. I will continue to send kiffels to your family and I will make sure to keep in contact with your family because throughout this you have made us one big family.
Pat, I hope you’re kicking up your heels. Especially because you can wear heels in heaven and now you have your dance partner back.
I love you, and have no regrets other than I didn’t start 9 years ago🥰