Patricia (Pat) Ann Kelly (87), Bennington, VT went to be with the Lord on February 3, 2022 after a brief illness.

Pat was born in Cambridge, NY on January 31, 1935 to Frank and Samantha Weber. She married Kenneth VanDerKar at a young age, then moved to Hoosick Falls. Here she and Kenneth raised their children and spent time with family and friends, and Pat’s sidekick, Bandit.

After Kenneth’s death, Pat married Raymond Bissonette. She and Ray also made their memories in Hoosick Falls until his death in 1981.

Pat loved taking care of peoples’ hair, even as a child. After working at Barclay in Hoosick Falls and as an Activities Aid at the Convalescent Center in her earlier years, she pursued her dream to become a licensed hairdresser and blessed people with her gift until she retired.

Pat’s passions were her family and pets, her faith in Jesus, and writing poetry. She was just one step short of realizing her dream to publish a book of 125 poems she had written that expressed her faith. She also wrote a poem for each of her family members and dozens more.

Pat is survived by her two loving children and their spouses, Kenneth (Deborah) VanDerKar of Greenwich, NY and Kathleen (Rollin) Reed of Bennington, VT; two precious grandchildren, Erin Reed of Bennington and Seth VanDerKar of Glens Falls, NY; and a step-great-grandson, Ethan, of Greenwich. She also leaves many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides her husbands and parents, Pat was predeceased by ten siblings: brothers Jacob, Frank Jr. and Ernest; and her sisters Ida Wilcox, Charlotte Harrington, Viola Gates, Beatrice Gates, Catherine Potter, Barbara Mooney and Ruth Carroll.

To family and friends, Pat leaves these parting words from one of the poems she penned:

The Best Day I’ve Ever Had

I’m leaving today on a special trip, 
I don’t want you to be sad. 
Please don’t shed tears, 
I’ve been waiting for this, 
The best day I’ve ever had.

I’ll meet with the Father, 
He’s waiting for me. 
He’ll be in a beautiful light, 
To bring me home, and I’ll see heaven, 
Oh, what a beautiful sight!

He’ll give me a hug and say, 
“Welcome home, child,” 
I’ve known you for many years. 
I know all your hurts and sadness at times, 
But now there will be no more tears.

I’ve had a good life, 
Great family and all, 
Who could ask for anything more? 
It’s time for a rest, I’m kind of worn out, 
Please go on with life as before.

I’ll see you some day when we meet again, 
And then I will welcome you there. 
And we’ll all be together at God’s golden gate, 
Holding hands as we say a prayer.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Mahar Funeral Home in Hoosick Falls, NY. A celebration of Pat’s life will take place on Saturday, February 12, at 1 PM at Bennington Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, 198 Crescent Blvd., Bennington, VT. At Pat’s request, there will be no calling hours. Private burial will take place in the spring.

Memorial contributions can be made to Pat’s favorite charity, Second Chance Animal Shelter in Arlington, VT through the funeral home.