Marilee B Patnode

Marilee Brilhart Patnode was cradled in the arms of her Savior Jesus Christ as He carried her into Glory from her life of sacrificial love here on earth ended by a struggle with brain cancer on March 6, 2012. Marilee, the devoted and loving wife of Dr. Roger E Patnode, was born on April 18, 1947 in Rochester Minnesota the daughter of the late Dr. Kenneth Brilhart and Olive Neil Brilhart. She spent her happy childhood days in Clarkdale, Arizona where she enjoyed the familiar comfort of small town and close friends. She rode horses and was a champion barrel-racer. She participated in high school dramas, was a state champion marimba player, and achieved the highest ranks of recognition in Rainbow Girls. Marilee's life was characterized by pursuit of excellence nurtured by love of learning and love of people. She graduated from Drew University and did her graduate work at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and Peabody in Nashville Tennessee. Marilee taught high school biology and chemistry. Her classes were regarded as demanding by her students as she set high performance expectations for her students and herself, providing them with caring support and reinforcement when they struggled. This set the standard for all of her career as a teacher in schools in Pittsburgh, PA, Plattsburgh, and for her longest tenure at Peru Central School. Marilee was driven to develop thinking, curious students and was rewarded as any student expressed their love of biology class. Many of her students pursued college and graduate study encouraged by her. She was a mentor to young teachers and an inspiration to the colleagues to make learning exciting. Marilee held herself and her family to the high standard that hard work engendered personal satisfaction in achieving a goal. She was an animal-lover and breeder of Champion Golden Retrievers. Her dogs are recognized for their beauty and their cheery personalities, beloved members of families from San Francisco to Boston. Her skill as a knitter provided heirloom sweaters for her children and grandchildren. She was a member of the choir and a Deacon in her church. Above all else Marilee was a devoted wife, mother, and family member. She delighted in watching her children grow into successful adults, nudging them with a loving hand and always acknowledging their many achievements no matter how small or great. She helped them with piano lessons, taught them to cook, partnered in outstanding school projects, and delighted in their pursuit of every endeavor. She always accepted and enjoyed where they were in the moment but raised their expectations to greater challenges. Marilee was a devoted "Meme" to her three beautiful grandchildren - her thirst for their presence insatiable and her love of them boundless. Playing with them, holding them close to her, reading a story, drawing a picture, or teaching a new song brought warmth to her heart. Her relaxed nature in the midst of the bedlam of family gatherings assured that being with her was always enjoyable for everyone there. Marilee unfailingly supported Roger through his training and professional life. She came back to his childhood home in the North Country, eventually acclimating to the cold of the winters she had never experienced. They delighted together in raising their children, collecting antiques, gardening, singing together in choir, and ballroom dancing. Marilee had the smooth moves of Quick-Step polished to perfection and was always ready to do the Rumba or Tango - her favorite dances. Marilee worked to make their home a loving and comfortable retreat where they could relax and reflect. They delighted together in many Christmas-eve parties at their home with the gathering of family and friends. They spent many hours together in the perennial gardens, always excited when the Forget-Me-Nots covered the beds in their cheery welcome of summer. Marilee is survived by her husband and soul-mate of nearly 42 years, Dr. Roger Patnode, their three children Justin Brilhart Patnode and his wife Terrianne (Muenzen) of Larchmont, NY, their two children Charlotte age three and Nina age two; Aaron Neil Patnode and his wife Carrie (Heitzler), of Portland Oregon and their son Lewis, age 8 months; and Katharine Jewett Patnode of San Diego, California. Also her brother David Neil Brilhart of Tucson, Arizona, extended family members in Oregon and Washington state, and Roger's seven brothers and sisters and their children who hold her in highest regard as their own. Marilee, taken from all of us far too early and for reasons beyond our understanding, will be greatly missed in the void her loss creates in our days. She will always be in the depths of our heart, continuing her life with us though her legacy of love. To God we give thanks for the life she shared with us and Trust our Faith in His Word that we will be together again in His time. Calling hours will be held from 3-6PM on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at the Brown Funeral Home, 29 broad St. in Plattsburgh and Memorial Service at 2:30PM March 11, 2012 at the First Presbyterian Church of Plattsburgh, NY. The family requests in lieu of flowers and for those who wish donations be made to the First Presbyterian Church Deacons Fund, Plattsburgh, NY, the Dana Farber Cancer Institute of Boston, MA, or www.caringbridge.org website. Arrangements are entrusted to the Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St., Plattsburgh, N.Y. (518) 561-3980. Online condolences may be made and memorial candles lit at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com.