Patricia Louise Besanceney Bryson, 81, loving mother and faithful friend, was lifted into God’s eternal embrace surrounded by family on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, while a resident at Richfield Living Center in Salem, Va.
Her Catholic faith shaped every aspect of her life. A better role model would be hard to find. “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
She was born Oct. 10, 1939, in Hamilton, Ohio, to Edward and Louise (Hilbert) Besanceney. She was the youngest of three children and loved growing up in Harrison, Ohio.
In Murphy she devoted her life to raising her six children on her own. As a dedicated mother and grandmother, she bestowed abundant wisdom, unfailing generosity, endless forgiveness, unconditional love, enduring companionship, fervent cheerleading and fierce advocacy. She was instrumental in getting proper care and education for children with disabilities in western North Carolina, especially for her daughter, Regina.
To support her family, she became a nurse’s aide and steadily advanced to pursue an education as a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant. Any patient in her path was met with compassionate, competent, inspired care. She built lasting relationships with those patients as long as they provided coffee when she visited off the clock.
Pat was well known as a faithful disciple, a fierce protector, a generous hugger, and though petite, a good eater. She always put others’ needs before her own. She loved bowling, hiking, fundraising runs, traveling and playing games with, or jokes on, her family and friends.
Her potato salad recipe was unmatched. She never hesitated to stop short on the sidewalk and insist on finding an ice cream cone to move forward. She was an avid Notre Dame fan, she swooned to Elvis Presley, and her home decor had a Mickey Mouse flair and an impressive coffee mug collection.
In addition to her parents, Pat was preceded in death by her siblings, Robert Besanceney and Elizabeth Fitzwater; and her daughter, Regina Bryson.
She is survived by her children, Danny, Mike, Kathy Sexton (Shawn), Reggie (Souha Khawam) and Susie. She is survived by her grandchildren, Jessica, Deidra, Jared, John, Andrew, Gabriel and Rayya; great-grandchildren, Emmalyn, AnnaBelle and Amelia; great-great-grandchild, Kayla; and many nieces and nephews.
We will celebrate her life with a funeral Mass at 1 p.m. Friday, June 18, at St. William Catholic Church in Murphy.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Simpson Funeral Home in Roanoke, Virginia. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to the family at www.simpsonfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Special Olympics, a charity closest to her heart.