Patricia Goodman Booth, 86, passed away on April 17th, 2015, in Vero Beach, FL, after a brief illness. She was born in Yonkers, NY, the only child of Cleland T and Genevieve Brown Goodman. She was raised in Buffalo, NY, graduating in 1947 from Amherst High School. Pat early on showed unusual musical talent as an organist, starting her church career at age 14. She received a number of scholarship offers, choosing to attend Syracuse University, where she studied organ under Arthur Poister. She graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1951 and was a member of Alpha Xi Delta and Sigma Alpha Iota.

At Syracuse, she met her future husband, George Lawrence Booth. They were married in 1951 and settled in Fulton, New York, where they began a family that would grow to 5 children over the next 8 years. Pat continued her musical career during that time, primarily at the State Street United Methodist Church. Pat chose to begin a second professional career in the early 1960's, returning to school at SUNY Oswego, where she earned a Master of Science in Education in 1969 as well as an advanced certificate in administration in 1976. She became an elementary school teacher in the Phoenix Central School District and also served two terms on the Fulton School Board, including 2½ years as its president. In the 70's, changes in George's career led her to teaching positions in the Nicholasville, KY, schools and the American School in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. They returned to New York in 1979 and settled in Baldwinsville, where she maintained a home until her death. She continued her teaching career on a part time basis in Baldwinsville and Phoenix over the next 10 years and resumed her career as an organist and music director at the First Methodist Church in Syracuse.

Pat's third, albeit unofficial, professional career began in 1989, when George developed throat cancer. Over the next 23 years, she served as George's primary nurse and caregiver as he endured a steady stream of increasingly debilitating illnesses, therapies and surgeries until his death in late 2012. Her devotion to him and her skill in providing his care were truly incredible.

Pat was active in Rotary as a Paul Harris Fellow, the American Guild of Organists as the Syracuse Chapter Dean and the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO). She was an avid bird watcher, antique collector, traveler and a student of upstate New York's many cobblestone houses. She was also active in the Vero Beach (FL) Community Church, where she and George spent much of their retirement years. She did continue her music career there and was still serving as an organist up until the time of her death. Her proudest accomplishment there was serving on the committee that selected the new Lively-Fulcher organ for the church, which she shown playing just 3½ weeks before her death.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 61 years, George. She is survived by her five children and their spouses, Dr. Laura Booth Chan (Raymond,) Victor, NY, Celia Booth (Thomas McCaffery,) Alexandria, Virginia, Eric Thomas Booth (Kathy,) Whitney Point, NY, Stephen Roger Booth (Kathy,) Antwerp, NY, and Dr. Michael Booth (Sue,) Bismarck, ND, as well as 18 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Finally, she is also survived by her special friend and companion, Ramsey Ludington, who was at her side when she passed away.

A memorial service in celebration of Pat's life will be held at the Hendricks Chapel at Syracuse University at 7:00 PM May 24th, 2015. The family requests that in lieu of flowers that gifts to P.E.O., Rotary or the church of your choice be considered.

Address for condolences: Dr. Laura Booth Chan, 1267 Malone Road, Victor, NY 14564

A guest book may be signed at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com