Janet Patricia "Patsy" (Strayer) McNelis

Janet Patricia “Patsy” McNelis, 81, Williamsburg, formerly of Hollidaysburg, passed away unexpectedly Friday, July 28, 2017 at her home.  She was born November 21, 1935, in Hollidaysburg, daughter of the late Jesse Jr. and Violet I. (Mentzer) Strayer.  She married John Joseph “Red” McNelis September 1, 1956 at St. Mary Church, Hollidaysburg.  He preceded her in death 2010 after having shared 53 years of marriage.

Surviving are seven children:  Patricia McNelis and Terri Belicic of Hollidaysburg; Kelly McNelis Deely and husband, Tony of Altoona; John Jr. and Kim Yoder of Sproul; Christine McNelis of Lakemont; Kathleen McNelis Gority of Melbourne, FL, and her late husband, Charles; Joseph and wife Paulie of Indiana; and Michael McNelis and wife Connie of Bellwood.

Patsy was “Gram” to her grandchildren:  Erin West and husband, Fred; Jonathan McNelis; Laura Deely-Marshall, husband John and family;  Shannon Deely; Brenda Wilt, husband Bill and family;  Jody Partner, husband Tom and family;  Renee Swogger, husband Chad and family;  Michael McNelis II, fiancée Brooke Zimmerman and family;  Tyler McNelis; and Sierra Swope

In the last two years, Patsy’s life was enriched by the addition of two great-grandsons:  Landon Marshall and Easton McNelis.

Patsy was the first-born of five sisters:  Sherry (Strayer) Gregg and husband Howard;  Gloria (Strayer) Halbritter;  Linda (Strayer) Naff and husband James; and Gwen Strayer.

She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins from the extended McNelis and Strayer families.

Pasty was a 1953 graduate of Hollidaysburg High School and retired from Vipond & Vipond Construction Co.

She enjoyed the beauty of nature and found great joy in observing the changes of each season daily from the home that she and her husband, John, built.  Our mother was blessed with caring neighbors who assisted her during her continued stay at home.

For many years, Patsy remained socially active with her Hollidaysburg High School classmates and enjoyed organizing and attending reunions.  She was civically engaged working over 25 years as a 4th Ward  election board member.  Patsy was especially interested in and compiled a library of information on the history of Hollidaysburg and the Reiser House since she had lived there as a child.

Patsy was an avid reader and liked doing her daily crossword puzzles.  She took great time in clipping newspaper articles and thoughtfully shared them with those who would find meaning in them.  She also sent beautifully handwritten notes to special people in her life and maintained many life-long relationships through letter writing.

Patsy was a wise woman who offered words of comfort and enthusiasm to all those around her.  She was exceptionally charitable and kind.  She was a fantastic cook and sent many on their way with care packages.

She was a model of organization and self-advocacy for her own health care and was lovingly referred to as “Doctor Patsy” due to her extensive knowledge of traditional and non-traditional health care.  Her mind was sharp and her wit and sense of humor were remarkable, even in times of crisis.  She was a best friend to each of her children and instilled the value of love and family in them.  She had a strong faith and believed with God, all things were possible.  Patsy was truly an angel on this earth and will be missed immensely by all who knew and loved her.

Friends will be received and Patsy’s life celebrated Sunday, August 6, 2017 from 1:00 to 5:00 pm at Sorge Funeral Home, Inc., Hollidaysburg with a Memorial Service immediately following, Chaplain Tony Conrad officiating.

A private interment will be at New St. Mary Cemetery, Hollidaysburg.

Memorials may be given to the charity of your choice.