Patricia C. Sexton, 69, of Cold Spring, died peacefully on June 9, 2016, at New York-Presbyterian / Hudson Valley Hospital in Cortlandt Manor. She was born on March 20, 1947, in the Bronx, the daughter of the James and Margaret (Conaty) Downes.
A graduate from Bellevue Nursing School, Pat chose a vocation which allowed her to demonstrate her intelligence, care, compassion and kindness in an unassuming manor. While working at Vassar Brothers Hospital, she advanced her degree to Critical Care Registered Nurse. Pat was instrumental in organizing the registered nurses at Vassar Brothers Hospital to unite and join the New York State Nurses Association in 1983.
A dedicated community advocate, Pat served as president of the school board for Haldane Central School District, was a member of the Philipstown Planning Board and an associate member of the North Highland Engine Company No. 1. She held these positions with a sense of duty, integrity and honor.
Pat had a profound devotion to her family, friends, and community. Her presence touched the lives of all she encountered. Her insatiable appetite for knowledge and a love of learning established her role as a mentor and confidant.
Pat is survived by her husband Anthony, her daughter Kristina (Richard Rommel) Sexton and her son Keith (Jennie) Sexton, all of Cold Spring; her brother James (Annette) Downes of Newtown, Conn.; her sister Margaret Downes of Trumbull, Conn., and her aunt, Sister Catherine Conaty. Four grandchildren (Thomas, Brian, William and Elizabeth) also survive.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org). A Mass of Christian Burial was held on June 13 at St. Mary Mother of the Church in Fishkill. A private cremation followed, with burial at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were made by Clinton Funeral Home in Cold Spring.
