Obituary of Patricia A. Gillespie

Patricia Gillespie, 90, formerly of Baker Avenue, Niskayuna, died December 24, 2020 at Avita of Wells, Maine. Born January 21,1930 to the late Bertram R. Decker, Sr. and Amelia McCormick Decker of Schenectady. She graduated from Nott Terrace High School in Schenectady and Edgewood Park College, Briarcliff Manor, NY. She started working at St. Clare's Hospital in 1949 as a Medical Secretary and Technician. Upon graduation she worked at St. Clare's Hospital as a Medical Secretary and Technician from 1949 until 1956 when she left to run the family business as office manager. She volunteered in the Reach to Recovery Program for breast cancer for several years, and in the mother's help program at Craig School, in reading and speech therapy. She was a board member of the Niskayuna Coop, a member of the Women's League of the Schenectady Symphony Orchestra, and a member of St. Clare's Hospital Auxiliary. She also volunteered at Ellis Hospital, at the information desk. She was a member of St. Kateri Tekakwitha (formerly Our Lady of Fatima Church). Playing bridge with a close group of friends, golfing, and traveling to her beloved Cape Cod were favorite pastimes. But most importantly spending time with her family was her utmost joy. Patricia's husband, Arnold C. Gillespie, married for 67 years predeceased her in 2018. He was proprietor of Arnold C. Gillespie Piano Sales and Service. She is predeceased by her brother Bertram Decker, jr. and his wife Joan. Survivors include her son David Gillespie, his wife Susan Sabetti of Hilton Head, SC, and grandsons Andrew Gillespie of Los Angeles, CA and Brian Gillespie of Hilton Head, SC; her daughter Susan Sayers, her husband Richard Gagnon of Biddeford, ME, Granddaughter, Courtney Sayers and her fiancé Arik Blanchard of Denver, CO, and grandson, Jeremy Sayers and his wife Ashley of Manchester, NH. She also leaves nieces Kathleen (Charlie) Mack of Schenectady, Patricia (John) Holloway of Maricopa, AZ and nephew James (Janiece) Decker of Spring, TX. The family would like to thank the staff of Avita of Wells and Compassus Hospice of Scarborough, Maine for their compassionate care, kindness and spiritual support. Calling hours will be at 9:30 am on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Roman Catholic Church with mass to follow at 11:00 am.