Patricia (Patty) Ann Kneale

February 2, 1939 - December 21, 2012
Patricia (Patty) Ann Kneale

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Patricia Ann (Patty) Kneale, 73, passed away on December 21, 2012 at Lower Cape Fear Hospice & LifeCareCenter, Wilmington, NC with her family at her side.

Patty was born in Hornell, NY on February 2, 1939. She was the daughter of Eugene Robert and Catherine Ann Smith who preceded her in death.

Patty was salutatorian of the Hornell High School class of ‘57. She graduated with a BSN from Nazareth College in Rochester, NY earning honors as the 1961 New York State Outstanding Student Nurse. Following graduation, Patty worked in the nursery at Syracuse Memorial Hospital where she also served as clinical nursing instructor. After raising her five children she returned to work as nurse at Onondaga Central High School, where she worked happily for 25 years until retirement. Patty also worked several summers with special children for BOCES of NY.

Patty was a gentle, loving, kind woman of deep faith. She served Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Syracuse, as trustee, choir member, lector, eucharistic minister, and led her parish as they served local families in need. She was a member of the Syracuse Diocese Human Development Board. Following their retirement to Wilmington, NC, Patty and her husband, Bob, became active choir members at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Patty also enjoyed knitting hats for newborns at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Robert (Bob) Kneale; children, Timothy Kneale (Mary) of Florence, KY, Elizabeth Kneale of Barboursville, VA, Amy Kneale of DeWitt, NY, David Kneale (Mai) of Stuttgart, Germany, Megan Cebina (Joe) of Raleigh, NC; eleven grandchildren, Riley, Henry, and Lily Kneale; Luke Berry; Ashley, Cameron, and Emma Buck; Ava and Scarlet Kneale; Anthony and Alec Cebina. Also surviving are her sister, Judy Tiede, and her brother Michael Smith (Terry).

Memorial services will be held Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at 10 AM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 6650 Carolina Beach Road, Wilmington, NC 28412. A memorial service will be held in Syracuse in the spring. Inurnment will be at White Haven Memorial Park, Pittsford, NY at the convenience of the family.

The family will receive friends at 9 AM prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation, 1414 Physicians Dr. Wilmington, NC, Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Nedrow, NY, or the Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S, 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099


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  • December 24, 2012
    Tara Bistrovich says:
    To Mrs Kneales Family Your mom, and wife was the kindest person I have ever met. She helped me throught so many rough times in high school due to a broken leg. She made me laugh when i wanted to cry and inspired me to be the person i am today. I am sorry for your loss. She is truely in heaven and is now one of gods angels. She will be Missed greatly.

  • December 26, 2012
    Christine and Jim Kelly says:
    Patty was always my families favorite, for good reason. She set a high standard for my family and everyone who knew her with her grace, dignity, humility and generosity. It has been a privilege to claim her as my cousin and the person I most admire. May Patty rest in peace, a beautiful and humble soul taken too soon.

  • December 27, 2012
    Corinna Wilkens Foster says:
    I am so sorry Tim and Mary for the loss of your mother. Please know that I am praying for you and your family at this time of sorrow. Its so hard to lose a loved one. God Bless you all!!!

  • December 24, 2012
    Peggy says:
    Patsy is at Peace and what a courageous battle she and Bob waged, no matter how much you think you are prepared for the passing of one so special you truly are not. Life goes on but it will never ever be the same with the Loss of Someone so Special as your wife, mother and grandma. Unless you have personally experience a loss like this it is so hard to truly understand. With Love and Special thoughts and Prayers Hopefully I will see you all in Syracuse , Peace be with you all

  • December 24, 2012
    Linda DeSaw says:
    Bob and family, You are in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. We hope that as you heal from your loss, you will have many loving and wonderful memories of your wife and mother. Peace be with you all.