Patricia McCallister

On Wednesday, June 17th, 2020, our mom was finally free from the chains that had bound her the last several years of her life; Alzheimer's Disease. She battled Alzheimer's with strength and dignity, and although it robbed her of so much, the strength she showed fighting until the end, that it couldn't take, and her dignity, her smile was proof that Alzheimer's lost that fight as well.

Born in Plattsburgh, New York, April 10, 1935, to Hubert and Irene Williams. She was one of six children. She had a normal childhood for a military family, growing up and living many years at the Plattsburgh Air Force Base and attending Plattsburgh City Schools.

In 1954, she met an Airman who was stationed at the Plattsburgh Air Force Base. Fresh out of Boot Camp, this Airman, from West Virginia, not only became her husband, but also her best friend. This man, whom she affectionately called "Bob-o", was her soulmate and she spent the next 53 years loving him, until his passing on November 6th, 2008.

Together they created a family, having four children, Linda, Tim, Kevin, and Eddie. Mom embodied every essence of the word mom. She devoted her life to her children, and every day her children came first. After the kids were all married, she still desired to help children, so she became a Teacher's Aide, and was hired by the Au Sable Valley Central School District. This was a job she was very happy and proud to have had.

After many happy and fulfilling years at Au Sable Forks Elementary School, she and Bob-o decided it was time to retire and enjoy life. They decided they would spend their Winters in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It was there that they met so many wonderful people, and many became great friends. One thing they truly loved in Myrtle Beach, "The Gossip Bench." It was just a bench, but became known as the Gossip Bench, and I think it was named that affectionately, because it was a daily destination for retired snowbirds.

Anyone that knew Pat, always saw her with a smile on her face, and a pocket full of mints. She always had mints in her pocket for anyone and everyone. She loved life and loved her family. Mom was happiest being with family. When her grandkids had a football game or a basketball game Grandma and Grandpa were there. She was not only seen with a smile on her face, but she could be heard as she cheered them on. You would think that after going to every football, basketball and baseball game that her sons played, or coached, she would have had enough of sports. Nope, not her, as it was not about the sports, but about being with her family, and supporting her grandkids!

She was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Bob McCallister, November 6, 2008, her son Tim McCallister, June 13, 2008, her daughter, Linda Dupee, March 29, 2020, her parents, brothers Willie Williams and Clay Williams and sisters Joyce Williams and Marianne Williams.

She leaves behind two sons and their wives, Kevin and Peggy McCallister and Eddie and Lori McCallister, and son-in-law Brent Dupee. She also leaves behind her grandchildren and their spouses, Ross McCallister, Caleb and Katie Remillard, Heather McCallister, Ryan and Jacqueline Bussey, Jeremy McCallister, Keith and Krysta Armstrong, and several great-grandchildren, including a little peanut that is still in the oven!

We would like to thank the wonderful staff at the Keene Valley Neighborhood House and Meadowbrook Nursing Home. The love and respect that you showed our mom will never be forgotten. Although we are sad to see Mom go, when we look to the sky, we will see her smile once more and know she is whole, and now FREE of Alzheimer's.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, June 22, 2020, at the Thwaits-Zaumetzer Funeral Home in Au Sable Forks.