Patricia Anne Byron

It is with profound sadness that the family of Patricia Anne Byron of Cold Spring, NY announce her passing on November 1, 2026 at the age of 80. Pat was born in Providence, RI on September 8, 1946 to Emmett Byron and Eleanor “Nell” Byron. She grew up in Terryville, CT and Providence, RI.

Patricia was a beloved mother and grandmother, whose intense intellect, sharp wit, and compassion touched the lives of so many, near and far.

She was, simply put, brilliant; having learned to read the newspaper at the age of three, sitting on her grandfather’s lap. Pat was a voracious reader throughout her life, generally consuming a book every day or two. She was also an editor for authors and non-profits throughout her life. In Cold Spring, she loved visiting Butterfield Library, and when the walk became too far for her in later years, she appreciated their weekly deliveries of new material for her to enjoy.

As a young girl, Patsy loved playing with her many cousins and spending time with her grandparents, aunts, and uncles. She loved sledding down Main Street, building forts, and crafting. Some of her favorite memories of childhood involved sitting at her grandparents’ kitchen table, chatting while her Grandma Nora cooked.

Her life was filled with action and intersected many policial movements in US history. Pat was active in the Civil Rights movement, travelling South via bus to lend a hand and march with Martin Luther King, Jr. She was also proud to have attended his I Have a Dream speech in Washington, DC.

A female Army veteran during Vietnam, Patricia attended William & Mary college. She also became involved in the peace movement, working tirelessly.

A Catholic, Patricia was a close friend of Thomas Merton; she went on to work for Dorothy Day at the Mary House in New York City for many years. She later ran Cor Mariae, a Catholic home for formerly homeless women, providing them dignity and safety.

She travelled through Ireland, the UK, and the US, sightseeing and helping others.

In the second half of her professional life, as her daughter aged, Pat transitioned to financial technology. After decades, she retired from AXA Financial, where she had forged many friendships. Patricia made and kept friends from every stage of her life.

She used her organizational skills as a Girl Scout Brownie leader and lemonade stirrer for her daughter, and taught her daughter and granddaughter how to sew, knit, and crochet. She shared with them her love of Block Island, Zinnias, birds, folk and classical music, yummy snacks, puzzles, and a good card game.

She was magnificent. Her memory is a blessing.

Patricia was predeceased by her parents, as well as her brother, Richard Doddio. She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Byron Mercurio; her granddaughter, Eleanor Mercurio; her nephew, Jeffrey (Ali) Doddio; her great-niece, Charlotte Doddio; and her many beloved cousins in RI, MA, VA, NC, LA, and WA.

Reflecting Patricia’s wishes, after cremation, a private family burial will be held in Cold Spring Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in her name be sent to Butterfield Library, Cold Spring, NY.

Clinton Funeral Home in Cold Spring is handling the arrangements.