Patricia K. Dattola, 72, a resident of Tupper Lake, passed into the arms of our Lord on Saturday, April 11, 2009. Born on January 16, 1937 in Potsdam, NY, she was the daughter of the late Orville E. and Loretta K. Betters of Saranac Lake, NY.
Pat attended Saranac Lake High School and graduated in 1956. She married Paul F. Dattola of Tupper Lake at Holy Name Church on April 7, 1956. As a devoted wife and mother, Pat created an atmosphere of love and security for her family.
She is survived by her husband, Paul, of Tupper Lake, NY; their children and spouses, Debbie (Dattola) and Wayne Leonard; Susan (Dattola) and James Willett; Paul D. and Patricia Dattola all of Tupper Lake; Anthony J. and Belinda Dattola of Newport, NH.
Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Jeremy (and his wife, Misty), Leonard of Boyd, Maryland; Michael (and his wife, Brenna) and Maxwell Willett; Jason and Allysa Dattola, all of Tupper Lake; and Christopher and Toni-Nichole Dattola of Newport, NH. Great grandchildren include Mackenzie and Katherine Leonard, Ryder Willett, Jesse and Adrianna Dattola.
Pat was predeceased by her sister, Loretta L. (Betters) MacGillivray and her husband, Armand (“Mac”) MacGillivray of Newport Richey, Florida. She is survived by two nieces, Lisa (MacGillivray) Gilbert and husband, Michael, along with their children, Sean and Bryan of Tolland, CT, and Joanne (Shaheen) Annette and family from Castleton, NY. Pat is also survived by one nephew, James Shaheen, and his family from Tupper Lake, NY.
Pat and her husband, Paul, were co-owners of TL Supply after purchasing it from Paul’s father, Daniel Dattola. Then in 1977, they decided to purchase Shaheen’s Motel where they operated it until 1985.
Pat also volunteered in the community. She was the first President of the Holy Name Home & School Association, and was active in their programs of religious instruction. She did volunteer work in the LP Quinn’s library, and spent time at the TL Chamber of Commerce.
Pat enjoyed the outdoors, taking long walks, swimming, and skiing. Other hobbies included knitting, reading, gardening, creating an unpublished children’s book, short stories and humorous poems the family enjoyed throughout the years. Pat loved being a mother and grandmother, and remained a friend, confidant, and advisor to her family right till the very end. She touched the lives of so many people.
Pat’s story does not end with her passing. Her strong faith, her sweet and gentle ways, her determination and strength in the face of adversity, her will to live, and her loving grace will remain in the hearts and minds of all who knew her. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday April 18, 2009, at St. Alphonsus Church followed by a memorial mass at 11:00 a.m.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the TL Rescue Squad, or the Mercy Healthcare Activity Center. On line condolences can be made at www.stuartfortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.