Ryan, Patricia A. North Port, Fla. - On Friday morning, March 14, 2014, surrounded by her family, Patricia A. (Norton) Ryan passed into eternal rest at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. She fought the good fight against Melanoma cancer, and she would want to continue to encourage everyone to be regularly screened for early detection. Pat was born on February 17, 1945 in Troy and lived most of her life in this area; but more recently has called North Port, Fla. her home since her retirement from the U.S. Postal Service. Pat is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Francis X. Ryan; and her brother, William Norton both of North Port. She was predeceased by her sisters, Sr. Catherine Norton and Jacqueline Keefe; her nieces, Kelly Hayward and Susan Shields Dantz; and her unofficially adopted son, Shayne “Potsie” Lavoie. The long list of broken hearts left behind are her children, Gretchen and David DeBerry of Albany, Rebecca Ryan of Albany, Bridget Ryan of Troy, and Kevin Ryan of Grafton. Her devoted grandchildren, Michaela, Jordan and Julia were her world and her joy. The newest light in Pat’s life was her GG Kyrese. She will also be missed by her aunt, Ronnie Norton; her cousins, Marlene (Bob) Norton, Bill Boyland and Ann Marie and Wes Cross; her nieces and nephews, (Jacqueline) Wendy Shields-Miller and Matthew Shields, and (William) Kathryn Norton and Leslie Norton-Combs; as well as several grands, greats and various other strays that she has pulled into her life along the way and loved as her own. Her friends were her family, and everyone who knew her benefitted from her endless capacity for giving and for enjoying life. The list is endless, but most especially Ann of Grafton and Carroll and Anne of North Port, Fla. Pat worked diligently at the United States Postal Service as a clerk, Postmaster and OHNA, and will be remembered as tough but fair. She fought with everything she had for something she thought was right; but would be quite frank if she thought someone needed to be reminded to ‘straighten up and fly right’. She graduated from Catholic Central High School in Troy, and was a longtime member of St. John Francis Regis Church in Grafton. She returned to Maria College when her children were older, and received her bachelor’s and her nursing degree in 1984. She taught all who knew her that it was never too late to strive for excellence, that there wasn’t a time limit on doing new things, and that the window of opportunity never closes. She was involved in rescue organizations for Japanese chins and Pink, Kalei, Yoko, Bindi, Randa and Major learned to love and trust humans again because of her. Pat enjoyed Mahjongg, the pool, her crafts and retail therapy. She will be remembered as that cute lady who matched all her clothes like an Easter egg, had a cool tattoo and earrings, loved shopping and shoes and antioxidants, and was a life-force that took care of so many, so very effortlessly. She lived every second of her life with joy and vigor; and up until her very last decisions she protected those she loved and cared for most. And finally, she would say, “What the hell...” Private arrangements have been made, but the family will host a life celebration for family and friends in early Summer; once they have returned home and had a chance to breathe. Information will be forthcoming for any who wish to join together to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, Pat would most appreciate donations to any animal rescue organizations, but specifically to: Luv A Chin Rescue, PO Box 11152, St. Paul, MN 55111. Donations can be made via check. Paypal donations are also accepted at http://luvachinrescue.org/home.html The Paypal email address: info@luvachinrescue.org