August 25, 2010-Family Tradgedy

From left. A cousin ( I think) . It might be Jaimie from up here in Ilion. Patty holding her Grandson, Bradyn. My brother Steve and his
Granddaughter, Jaylin and his daughter Alysha. In front are Kevin and Faith with their daughter Jordyn in the middle.

My brother, Steve's, estranged wife, Patty, committed suicide on the 23rd. She lived down in Asheville, NC. Her daughter, Alysha lived with her. Her other daughter and grandchildren lived nearby. How sad for them. My brother lives up here in NY but had always hoped to be moving down there soon. Don't know what will happen now. My sister, Jane and brother, Mike, drove Steve down to Asheville last night. They should be there by now. My nephew, Gavin rode down with them. Alysha and he were close cousins and Alysha wanted him to come. I was glad that I had gotten hold of Gavin yesterday afternoon before they left so he could call Jane. He was afraid of losing his job if he took too many days off but I guess his girlfriend is going cover his shift for him. They both work at McDonald's down in Hamilton, NY. Jane expects to be back by Saturday or Sunday. The cremation is Thursday. Memorial services Friday and gathering at the house afterwards.
My brother had just been down there to visit them all last month and they got a nice family photo. I'm sure glad he went. Patty had bought him a plane ticket to fly down for his 60th birthday.
I hope Alysha will be okay and get through this. She is planning on moving to NH next month. That might be a good thing. Another sad day for my brother and his family. Patty has always been depressed off and on through her life I guess she just wasn't happy with the way her life was going. How selfish to do that to the kids though. That's all I will say about that.

Update: Patty's Obit.

Patricia Miller died Monday, August 23rd in Asheville, NC. She was 51.

A service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at the Center for Creative Living - 2 Science of Mind Way in Asheville, NC. Ministers Barbara and John Waterhouse will officiate.

In a word, Patricia was – LOVING. She loved everything in nature: the mountains, the sun, the animals (especially sheep); and long hikes. She was inspired while singing and dancing and found the humor in almost all situations. She also loved deeply and sincerely everybody she knew. Patricia will be remembered by her family and friends as an exceptional woman. She was breath of fresh air who was always funny, sweet, and loyal.

Born November 21, 1958, Patricia was the last of six children born to Annie Hogan and Ward Sweet in Ilion, NY.

In 1977 Patricia and first husband William Marquissee celebrated the birth of their daughter Faith Marquissee Brygidowicz. In 1982 Patricia celebrated the birth of her second child, Alysha Miller, and remarried to Stephen Miller. Patricia, Stephen and her two daughters lived as a family in Ilion until 2001 when Patricia’s love for the mountains and her desire to live in a warmer climate inspired her to relocate to Asheville, NC.

Before her move to Asheville, Patricia received a Licensed Practical Nursing Degree and dedicated her career and life to helping others. She worked as a nurse and caregiver in several hospitals and private doctor’s offices, as a hospice nurse, as a teacher’s assistant at a special education facility, and later as a chiropractic assistant. She held a strong passion for alternative and holistic healing modalities.

Patricia is survived by her husband Stephen, her children Faith and Alysha, her son-in-law Kevin Brygidowicz , her three grandchildren Jordyn, Jaylin and Bradyn, siblings Eleanor “Snookie” Stubba, Lorraine “Brenda” DeJohn, James “Erkie” Sweet, and Prudence “Prud” Seaman, several nieces, nephews, cousins, countless friends and her beloved cat Muffin.

She will always be considered a caring mother, devoted sister, loving nana, loyal friend and she will be eternally missed.

The family will host Celebration of Life in her honor Friday after the ceremony, at their home in south Asheville. They request that in lieu of flowers; please send donations to help with funeral expenses to Faith Brygidowicz , 121 Rosscraggon Rd., Asheville, NC 28803.