Patricia Ann (Cole) Caswell, 86, a longtime resident of Hyde Park, died September 2, 2026, at Yale Medical Center in New Haven. Born September 9, 1939, in Poughkeepsie, she was the daughter of the late William Cole and Grace (Place) Cole. Patty was raised in Hyde Park and graduated from Franklin D. Roosevelt High School in 1957. On June 20, 1959, she married Dean Charles Caswell at St. Paul's Church in Poughkeepsie. Together, Patty and Dean raised two daughters, Elizabeth and Jennifer, and shared 67 years of marriage, building a life centered around family and their vibrant Hyde Park community.

Patty worked for IBM in Poughkeepsie early in her career and later devoted many years to the Hyde Park Central School District, ultimately becoming secretary to the assistant superintendent. Later, she channeled her love of the area's history into a volunteer position with the National Parks Service at Val-Kill Cottage.

Music was an important part of Patty's life from an early age. She had been singing since childhood and sang in church choirs beginning at the age of eight. She was a longtime and devoted member of St. James' Episcopal Church in Hyde Park, which she joined in 1974. Over the years, she served her church in numerous capacities, including as a member and leader of the Vestry, a member of the choir, a founder of the St. James' Tea Room and Christmas Gift Donation program, a lay reader, and an outreach committee member.

Her love of music extended well-beyond church. For many years she was a member of the IBM Mixed Chorus. She loved theatre and the arts, and was proud to take each of her grandchildren to New York City on the train to see their first Broadway shows. The soundtracks of Les Misérables, South Pacific, and Phantom of The Opera were played and sung often in her home, as well as classical music and The Three Tenors. In 1999, Patty made a memorable trip as part of the Ecuinternational Chorale, performing in cathedrals across Europe. Patty was active with the County Players for many years, starring and participating in musical productions, and sharing a talent that brought her great happiness throughout her life.

Above all, Patty cherished her family. She is survived by her beloved husband, Dean Charles Caswell; daughters, Elizabeth (John) Canevari and Jennifer (William) Oppenheim; seven grandchildren, Gianna (Alexander) Kaloyeros, Hannah Oppenheim, Nicholas (Caitlyn) Canevari, Olivia (Jack) MacIntire, Samuel Oppenheim, Maryrose Canevari, and Jack Canevari; great-grandchildren, Francis and Giancarlo Kaloyeros, Claire and Elise Canevari; brother, Stephen (Yvonne) Cole; as well as nieces, nephews, and many beloved cousins.

Calling hours will be on Thursday, September 10, 2026, 4:00pm -7:00pm at Sweet's Funeral

Home, Route 9, Hyde Park.

Funeral services will be on Friday, September 11, 2026 at 2:00pm, at St. James' Episcopal Church in Hyde Park, with burial to immediately follow at St. James Churchyard Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Patty's family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made to Alzheimer's Association (alz.org)

Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet's Funeral Home, Inc., Route 9, Hyde Park, New York. www.sweetsfuneralhome.com