Obituary of Patricia Pilkington Mead
Patricia Pilkington Mead, 71, Caledonia, NY, died on January 29, 2019. Patricia was unable to overcome an infection related to peritoneal dialysis.
Patricia lived her life according to her favorite saying, “Deeds, not words.” By example she taught grace, empathy, kindness and generosity. One of her greatest joys was teaching these values and behaviors to her children and grandchildren.
Patricia was a beautiful person, inside and out, extraordinarily gifted in so many ways, a Renaissance woman who turned everything she touched into a work of art. She surrounded herself with color and beauty. Her house is filled with things she found in thrift stores and garage sales that she arranged as if they were from a Martha Stewart or House Beautiful magazine. Patricia painted her Victorian home in colors only she could think of combining, and hung disco balls and prisms by many of the windows so that the sun would reflect and send rainbows of color everywhere.
Patricia tended her garden as if it were one of her children. She knew what every plant was and when it bloomed and it brought extraordinary beauty to her neighborhood. Patricia found beauty in everything. She found weeds on the side of the road and put them together into amazing bouquets that a florist would be jealous of.
Patricia made magical meals cooked over an open hearth and could take simple ingredients and turn them into a feast for a king. She was a marvelous host, welcomed everyone into her home and threw parties that people talked about for years. She will also be remembered for her extraordinary enthusiasm for teaching people about historical cooking.
Patricia loved to make other people happy, and made life better for everyone she knew. If there was a task that needed doing, a bouquet required, a thought needing attention, anything to make someone else’s day more complete, she was there. Always behind the scene, without ever a “look at me,” you knew it was Patricia that was working quietly and unnoticed.
Born March 22, 1947 in Port Jervis, NY to Frederick and May (Secor) Pilkington. Patricia earned a Bachelor’s degree from Bradley University; married to Jeffrey Mead Sept. 4, 1982 at a three day Woodstock-style, potluck, campout wedding; she joyfully brought home first daughter, Emma, from Korea, March 1987, and second daughter, Anya, from India, August 1989.
Survived by husband Jeffrey Mead, daughters Emma and Anya Mead, grandchildren Isaiah Mead-Jackson, and Kira Pangrazio, brother Peter Pilkington, sister Beth (Pilkington) Atkinson, and step-mother Mary Pilkington, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
An informal celebration of Patricia’s life will be held at The Big Springs Museum Saturday February 9th between 1 and 5 PM. People are invited to visit our family, share memories of Pat, and enjoy music, food, and drink. Address: 3095 Main Street, Caledonia, NY 14423. Enter building through entrances on Main St. / Rt. 5 or Pioneer Street.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Patricia’s name to The National Kidney Foundation.
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