Obituary of Patricia Halpin

Patricia Ann Halpin, 78, of Baldwinsville, NY, passed away Friday surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Syracuse on February 12, 1943, She graduated from Assumption Catholic Academy in 1961 and married William Halpin in 1965. They moved to Baldwinsville in 1968.

Patty was most happy in the company of her family. She modeled the value of family, something that she learned from her mother, Carmella. Patty never missed an opportunity to spend time with her husband, parents, siblings, grandchildren, nieces/nephews and their kids. She taught us to "put family first" and "the most important thing is for us to get along." Patty will be remembered for how she welcomed all with love. She had a beautiful smile that put people at ease and made them feel like their best version of themself.

Patty's faith was solid. When her kids couldn't fall asleep, she asked them to "Say the Rosary." When her grandchildren struggled in school, she told them to "Pray, hope, and don't worry." As she fought the pain of her cancer, she offered up her pain and never doubted God's plan for her. Her faith and values will outlive her- carried by all of the people she touched.

She worked at General Electric until she had kids. To put her kids through college, she took a job at Syracuse University. There she found her perfect job as the receptionist at Flint Hall. She served as an away from home mother to hundreds of kids each year- bringing the love, smiles, warmth and caring that was the hallmark of her life.

Patty lived a life of service to others. After retiring from SU, she continued with her greater purpose: sharing her love with kids. She helped several families by taking care of their children and they all became part of our extended family. She volunteered at the Syracuse Home in Baldwinsville. The time she spent with residents made her feel alive. She loved to cook and bake. Whenever family and friends gathered, her kitchen table was always covered with food and she made sure nobody left her house hungry. Cancer took away much of her ability to care for others and she struggled with this. "How am I going to repay all of the people who are helping me?" she asked.

Patty learned to crochet from her mother. She was always relaxing with yarn. The 500+ afghans that she gave to friends and family serve as a lasting reminder of her love.

She was predeceased by her parents, Angelo T. Scarsi and Carmella (Lupo) Scarsi and brother-in-law Paul Smith. Patricia is survived by her husband of 56 years, William Halpin, of Baldwinsville, her four children, Bill (Hollie) Halpin of Palo Alto, CA, Shawn (Dana) Halpin of Liverpool, NY, Patrick (Pamela) of Lattingtown, NY and Kathleen (Jim) Harrington of Pittsfield, MA; grandchildren, Alexander, Amelia, Julia and CatherineHalpin, Rachel and Brittany Halpin, Patrick, Megan, Joseph and Jenna Halpin, Kellie and Eric Harrington, brother John (Patty) Scarsi, and sisters Carleen Smith, Angela (Tom) Bersani, along with many loving nieces and nephews.

Calling Hours will be held from 4-7 PM, Tuesday, July 27 at Falardeau Funeral Home, 93 Downer Street, Baldwinsville, NY 13027. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, July 28 at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 47 Syracuse Street, Baldwinsville, with burial to follow in Riverview Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Assumption Church Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen, 812 N. Salina St., Syracuse, NY 13208.