Pat Barry

Patricia Pat Dowling Barry, PhD, APRN, 69, of West Hartford, CT, died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on Monday morning February 14, 2011. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend. Her fun-loving, enthusiastic spirit and compassionate nature will be greatly missed. Pat is survived by her three daughters and their husbands: Michelle and Stephen Dodd of Charlotte, NC, Cathy and Sean Peoples of Glastonbury, Elizabeth and Tom Brown of West Hartford, as well as 7 grandchildren: Katie & Michael Dodd; Emily, Matthew & Mark Peoples, and Ellie & Garrett Brown. Pat is also survived by her sister Mary Nemeth husband Cliff of Loveland, CO, and brother John Dowling wife Jackie of Harvard, MA, as well as 4 nieces and nephews. Pat was close to the children of her late husband, Barton C. Conant of Brookfield and his 7 grandchildren. Pat was also very blessed with the support of her loving companion, partner and friend, Walter Feltmate of Wilton. Pat was born in St. Albans, VT to the late John and Anita Wiegand Dowling. A graduate of the Mary Fletcher Hospital School of Nursing UVM-affiliate, her passion for holistic health care and organizational management led to her specialty in Psycho-Social Nursing for her graduate work at Yale University and The Union Institute. In addition to Pat's private psychotherapy practice, she authored 4 books, was published in numerous periodicals, and consulted for several hospitals and corporations. Of the many accomplishments and awards credited to Pat, she was perhaps most proud of serving on the Yale Club of Hartford Board of Directors 2004-2010, Secretary from 2007-2010 and consulting staff at the Hartford Hospital Department of Psychiatry, as well as receiving the Connecticut Nurses Association Diamond Jubilee Award 1992, Vera R Keane Award for Distinguished Service to the CNA 1992, and the Yale Distinguished Alumna of the Year 1989. The American Nurses' Association named Pat's first book, Psychosocial Nursing Assessment and Intervention, Book of the Year in 1989. Throughout her life, Pat was an avid learner and advocate for people in need. She enjoyed good debates, world news, skiing, cooking, the outdoors, sports events, and travelling. Watching Pat enjoy a sports event on TV was an experience in itself. One of her greatest joys was spending time with her grandchildren. She loved visiting her children's families, and all of the grandkids' events and outings. She was able to make everyone around her feel special. Pat's daughters and loved ones fondly recall many wonderful gatherings at her home, her open heart and adventurous spirit, and for her ability to add life and love to everything she did. Her family is grateful for the attention and care she received from Hartford Hospital and Dana Farber, the ministry from Saint Patrick-Saint Anthony and the unending support of her close friends and family who have helped Pat in every way possible through the last eighteen months. She inspired us all with her positive attitude over the last several months. She so much wanted more time to experience life's gifts with all who loved her. As one of her family members said, it's fitting that Pat passed on Valentine's Day, she was filled with love and grace. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, February 18, 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church 285 Church Street, Hartford, CT 06103. Calling hours are Thursday, 4-7 p.m. at the Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. In lieu of flowers, donations in Pat's memory may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA 02115-6084 or to St Patrick-St. Anthony Church.