Patricia Ketchum

Shokan-

Patricia A. Ketchum, known affectionately as Pat to her friends and family, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2024, in Shokan. She was born on January 1, 1937, in Queens, NY, and spent most of her childhood in Pine Bush, NY.   She was the daughter of the late Ernest and Vera Jones and a beloved figure in her community.

Pat's life was one marked by dedication to her family and a passion for education. She was a proud graduate of SUNY Cortland, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Education, a testament to her commitment to learning and teaching. Pat's career as a elementary school teacher at Bennett Elementary School in Boiceville spanned over three decades, during which she touched the lives of countless children with her kindness and wisdom.  Teaching was a joy for Pat and she and her family often run into former students who express their love and appreciation for her.

After retiring, Pat remained an active member of the Onteora Teachers Association, reflecting her ongoing support for her colleagues and the educational community. Since becoming an area resident in 1969, Pat's presence was a constant source of encouragement and camaraderie.  The Ketchum house was the heart of the neighborhood.  A place where the neighbors would gather for company and conversation.  She and her husband were proud of their home and worked hard to make it a comfortable place for all who stopped by.

Pat's interests were as varied as they were rich. She was an avid reader and an active participant in her local book clubs, sharing her insights and laughter with fellow literature enthusiasts. Her love for the silver screen was unparalleled; she was a true movie buff who excelled at movie trivia, often dazzling friends and family with her encyclopedic knowledge of film.

Traveling was one of Pat's greatest joys, particularly her visits to the beaches of Cape Cod, Block Island, and Cape Hatteras with her family. These trips provided her with cherished memories and stories that she would recount with a sparkle in her eye. She and her late husband also travelled together to many tropical islands as well as to London.  No matter where they were, Bert and Pat made friends with locals and fellow travelers.  At home, Pat found joy in her garden, tending to her plants with the same care and attention she gave to her students and loved ones.  She could often be found sitting out in her garden reading the New Yorker Magazine or her latest book.

Pat was the matriarch who brought everyone together, hosting many family holiday gatherings that will be remembered for revolving around her children and grandchildren.  Her home was a place of comfort and celebration, where laughter filled the rooms, and everyone felt welcomed.  

She is survived by her loving family, including her daughter Suzanne Ketchum and her husband Larry Donovan, and her other daughter Brooke and her husband John Grau, as well as her son, E. Scott Ketchum.  She was also survived by her sister Susan Jones-Mannino as well many nieces and nephews. Pat was the adored grandmother to Mara, Conor, Emma, Nick, and Katerina, who will miss her dearly. She was predeceased by her devoted husband, Berton, in 2022, and a grandson, Evan, whose memories remain a treasured part of her family's history.

A casual gathering to celebrate the lives of Pat and Bert is being planned for Saturday, June 1 at 2:00 pm at the Boiceville Inn. Memorial contributions may be made to the Olive Rescue Squad or Olive Library as well as the Bennett School PTA.  You may share a special memory, photo, or condolence with the family on Pat's Tribute Wall at www.gormleyfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Patricia Ketchum, please visit our floral store.