Patricia J. Bumbarger

Patricia Joy (nee Jeffrey) Bumbarger, until recently a resident of Schenectady, NY, died on February 27, 2023 in Brockton, MA. Born February 8, 1927 in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Herbert N. and Anita Crips Jeffrey, Pat was raised in Chicago and Los Angeles, CA. In 1950 she married the late Wm. Bruce Bumbarger, with whom she raised her three children, Margaret, Bruce, and Jeffrey.

Pat's sense of social conscience, first expressed as a teenager attempting to desegregate a Los Angeles area roller skating rink in the late 1940s, led to a life of volunteerism. Among other roles, she served as a Board member of the Schenectady YWCA, was a member and president of the Schenectady Chapter of PEO, was a pre-school vision screener with the Sight Conservation Society of NE New York, volunteered at Glendale Home, and was an active member of Schenectady's Emmanuel Friedens Church.

In midlife, Pat began a career at the Albany food brokerage firm, Paragon Enterprises. It was through this work that she met her partner Donald Appleby. The two shared a love of travel, gardening, the company of friends over a relaxed meal, and a good game of Jeopardy. Their home, full of warmth, love, and Pat's off-beat sense of humor, was a favorite gathering place for her children and four grandchildren.

Pat is pre-deceased by her loving son Jeffrey Bumbarger, and her partner Donald Appleby. She is celebrated by her daughter, Margaret Forbush and her husband James, and son Bruce Bumbarger and his wife Madonna; grandchildren Sarah Bumbarger and her husband Steve Daly, Nicholas Bumbarger, Stephen Forbush and his wife Dalila, and Leigh Forbush and her husband J. Rafael Torres; and great-grandchildren Damian Torres and Saoirse Daly.

A private service of remembrance will be held. Memorials in her honor may be made to the Emmanuel Friedens Church of Schenectady, NY.