Mary Elizabeth Patti – (92) – formerly of Church St., Hornell, died Monday afternoon (April 8, 2019) at Elderwood of Hornell Nursing Facility where she had resided for the past 2 ½ years.

A native & life resident of Hornell, she was born May 12, 1926, and was the daughter of Mark & Anna (Joyce) Loree.

Mary attended North Almond Valley School through the 6^th grade, at which time she transferred to Arkport Central School, graduating in 1944.  In 1945 she enrolled in St. James School of nursing where she graduated in 1948, having earned her New York State Registered Nurse’s License.

From 1949 – 1951, she was employed as evening supervisor and night supervisor at St. James Mercy Hospital.  On June 7, 1951, she was married to Dr. C.E. Patti.

Since 1952, Mary has been a member of the St. James Women’s Board where she served as president for 2 ½ years.  For 9 years she was a member of the St. James Mercy Hospital Board of Directors and has served as hospital historian since 1972.  She was a member and past president of the Steuben County Medical Society Auxiliary.

In her younger years, Mary volunteered her time as Boy Scouts Leader and also Camp Fire Leader.  She was active in the Hornell American Red Cross, serving as co-chairman of its board of directors.  In the 1970s, she began teaching Red Cross Home Nursing in Hornell and also the Southern Tier Rochester Red Cross, teaching fellow registered nurses home nursing care, child care and disaster procedures.  She continued teaching these courses until 1990 when her ailing husband required more time & care.

Mary began playing piano in grade school and while attending nursing school, played the organ in the St. James Hospital Chapel at the daily 6:00 AM (Latin) Mass.  It was also during her nursing school days that she began crocheting & making quilts, a passion that she enjoyed her entire life.  She took great pride in making beautiful quilts for her children & grand-children.  These quilts have become family heirlooms, treasured by her family.

Mary will also be remembered for making her delicious home-made soups, again, sharing with family & friends.  Throughout the years, family celebrations for any & all occasions were held at her home at 16 Church Street, sometimes with more than 30 people (family & friends) for dinner.

When Mary turned 80 years young, her children & grandchildren surprised her with a birthday party and gave her a most cherished gift — a trip to Rome, Italy and an audience with Pope Benedict.  It was a thrill of a lifetime!!

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. C.E. Patti; her daughter, Camille D’Angelo; her brothers, Paul Loree and Mark Loree; her daughter-in-law, Lynne Patti; her son-in-law, Judge Thomas Higgins; two sisters-in-law, Hazel Loree and Dee Loree.

Surviving are her children, JoAnn (Richard) Argentieri of Hornell, Dr. James Patti of Okatie, SC, Judge Philip (Pauline) Patti of Raleigh, NC, William (Lorraine) Patti of Bath and Anne Marie Higgins of Syracuse; her brother, Thomas Loree of Dansville; sister-in-law, Emma Loree of Hornell; her son-in-law, Charles D’Angelo; 14  grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren; along with many nieces & nephews.

The family of Mary Elizabeth Patti will receive friends on Monday from  3:00 PM  –  5:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Ann’s Cemetery.

Mary’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, PO Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.