Patricia Woolsey, 92, of Rhinebeck, formerly of Hyde Park, died on February 27, 2024, at her home of the last three years, Brookmeade.

Born July 3, 1931, in Poughkeepsie, Patricia was the daughter of Henry and Marie Kihlmire and a graduate of Poughkeepsie High School.

On May 6, 1949, Patricia married the love of her life, James Woolsey. Jim and Patricia began their married life in upstate NY where James finished his college degree at RIT with the GI Bill from his time in the service.

They returned to their home of Hyde Park where they had five beautiful children together. Patricia adored her children, passing on her love of a good book and all things sugar. Patricia also had a deep love for reading and yearned for knowledge. With this love for both children and reading, she spent 25 years as the children's librarian at the Hyde Park Library. The impact Patricia had on children and their families over those years was immeasurable. Her loving and kind nature fostered a deep love not only for reading, but for learning in all who entered the library. She unlocked passions, opened doors, and made the impossible possible through the shelves of books that adorned the library she curated. She retired from the library on December 31, 1994. Upon her retirement, Patricia spent time watching her grandchildren grow, and fostering not just their love for reading, but also for frosted sugar cookies. Mimi, as she was adoringly known to her grandchildren and great grandchildren, was unable to use the word 'No" and would often be found reading the hours away with her "grands" in a blanket fort.

Patricia's home of the last few years was Brookmeade, where she and her family were blessed to know the loving and caring staff. They provided Patricia with love, compassion, and the best pale pink manicures. She was truly at home there. Patricia brought joy to all who had the pleasure of knowing her throughout her life. She led with unwavering kindness and has left the world a brighter place.

Patricia was predeceased by her loving husband of 63 years James Woolsey, on March 14, 2012. Survivors include her five children, Patricia Maier, Judy Bocchino and husband, Frank Bocchino, Brian Woolsey and wife, Ann Woolsey, Linda Pulver and husband, Russell Pulver, and Steven Woolsey. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Melissa Daukontas and husband, Tony Daukontas, Shannon Dotterer and husband, Brendan Dotterer, Steven Pulver and wife, Brianne Pulver, Michael Pulver, Kaela Woolsey, and Ryan Woolsey, as well as her great grandchildren, Ethan Daukontas and Emilia Pulver.

Patricia was the oldest daughter of four and is survived by her three wonderful siblings, Leonard Kihlmire and wife, Joanne Kihlmire, Marie Imperati, and Wesley Kihlmire and wife, Sonjia Kihlmire.

Calling hours will be from 5 to 7 PM, Friday March 1st at Sweet's Funeral Home, Rte. 9, Hyde Park.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Michael Morris at 10 AM, Saturday, March 2nd at Regina Coeli Church, Rte. 9, Hyde Park.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation will follow and her ashes will be inurned privately at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery next to her beloved husband, James.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Hyde Park Library, 2 Main St., Hyde Park, NY 12538 to continue to foster the love of reading for people of all ages. (www.hydeparklibrary.org)