Elizabeth Bumstead Patrick

Elizabeth 'Betty' Bumstead Patrick, 88

Troy - Elizabeth 'Betty' Bumstead Patrick, 88, passed away Sunday, April 24, 2011, in Troy, New York.

Betty was born in Waterford, New York, on August 8, 1923, and was the only child of the late William Howard and Anna LeMay Bumstead. In 1925, Betty's dad founded one of the region's first automobile dealerships, Bumstead Chevrolet in Troy, and Betty remained a loyal Chevy owner for most of her life. After graduating from Emma Willard School, she received her bachelor of arts in English from Russell Sage College in 1944.

Betty and the late James K. Patrick, Jr., were married September 7, 1946. They raised their family in Troy and in Lake George before their marriage ended in 1976.

Betty was the devoted mother of five sons, James K. Patrick, III (Nancy) of Loudonville, William B. Patrick (Carmel) of Schenectady, David M. Patrick of Delmar, Steven J. Patrick of Troy, and the late Thomas Patrick. She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren, all of whom she truly loved, James (Stephanie), Lori Cabrera (Will), Tarin, Caleb, and Courtney, as well as by her three great-grandchildren, Kyle, Elizabeth and Margaret, and her friend, Veronica Gil Seaver.

As a girl, Betty fell in love with horses, and in her teens competed in dressage events. Her passion for horses continued throughout her life. Many a warm August afternoon found her cheering on her picks from her family's box at Saratoga. Betty was a keen handicapper, and her "near misses" are legendary. She taught us all to box our exactas, and never missed betting on the greys, her father's favorites, or any horse even remotely named Jimmy, Willy, Dave or Steve.

A lifetime member of the Troy Country Club, Betty's many dear friends will especially miss her prowess at bridge. Her friends were a source of joy for Betty, and helped her maintain a girlish sense of play until her recent illness prevented her from joining in as a stalwart and competitive fourth.

Betty and Jim Patrick helped raise funds to start the Cerebral Palsy Center in Albany (now Center for Disability Services), after their son David was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a baby. They began the still-successful CP Telethon, enlisting the generous support of their many friends.

Friends are invited to calling hours on Wednesday from 4 - 7pm at Bryce Funeral Home 276 Pawling Avenue in Troy. Funeral service will be held, Thursday at 10 am at the funeral home and 10:30am at Sacred Heart Church in Troy, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Eddy Heritage House and especially Marybeth the charge nurse of the third floor for their care of Betty.

Contributions may be made in Betty's memory to the charity of one's choice.

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