Patricia Pat Lou Kelsey

Patricia Lou "Pat" Kelsey, age 79, of Deerfield Beach, Florida passed away on July 11, 2015 in Boynton Beach, Florida. She was born July 26, 1935 in Willshire, Ohio to Ralph and Ruth Buchanan (nee Alspaugh). Pat was preceded in death by her mother Ruth Buchanan, father Ralph Buchanan, aunts Marge Alspaugh and Mildred Botkin, uncle Charles Botkin, cousin Jean Ann Rupert and nephews Monty Ellington and Eric Buchanan. She is survived by three children: Randy Kelsey of Royal Palm Beach, Karen Keebler (Rick) of Cincinnati, Ohio and Julie Carmody (Bryan) of West Palm Beach; sister Sharon Ellington of Vancouver, BC Canada; brother Paul Buchanan of Rockford, Ohio; sister Brenda Smith of Greenfield, Indiana; six grandchildren: Jessica Brinkman (Kyle), Ashley, Cory and Bryan Keebler and Justin and Savannah Kelsey; four great-grandchildren: Hannah, Hailey, Harlow and Hunter Brinkman; and nephews Kim Ellington and Joe Buchanan (Christy).

Pat was the sweetest, most loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She was extremely proud of her children and grandchildren, always supportive and loved hearing all about their lives, interests and activities. She was a vivacious friend who loved, laughed and was always there to lend a helping hand.

Pat was philanthropic, generously giving of her time, talent and resources to many charities and organizations. After retirement at age 77 from an administrative position within Broward County government, she volunteered four days a week. She divided her time between the Florida Humane Society, The Friends of the Library of Coral Springs and Pat ran the Coffee Shop at the N.E. Focal Point Senior Center in Deerfield Beach, where her lovely smile and sweet spirit was a bright spot in the day for many.

A lifelong learner, Pat took many classes to learn new skills and ignite new passions, which varied from flower arranging to spiritual growth to salsa dancing. She was always seeking to be the best she could be physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. She was admired for her adventurous spirit, fulfilling many lifelong dreams of traveling to many countries around the world. She was eager for and open to new experiences...such as a recent motorcycle ride at almost 80 years of age.

Pat maintained her independence and lived an active, full life to her very last days. Even while she quietly and valiantly battled leukemia for five years, very few people even knew she was ill. She was conscientious to maintain a healthy lifestyle. She was strengthened and centered daily by the Spirit of God, active in and beloved by many in her church, Unity Church of Pompano Beach.

Pat was a very positive thinker and saw the good in all people. Never one to speak negatively of another, she spread light and love wherever she was. She was content and deeply grateful for the simple joys in her life. She loved going to weekly dances, gathering together with family and friends, loved animals, lighthouses, flowers and frequent walks to the beach. She intentionally pursued her dreams and surrounded herself with all that filled her life with joy, peace and fulfillment.

Pat was known for her beautiful smile, her gentle demeanor and her uplifting, fun spirit. She touched the lives of many with her kind and caring ways. She will be greatly missed but always remembered as she lives on in the hearts of those who will always love her.

Visitation will be Thursday July 16 from 6-8pm and Friday July 17 from 10-11am, followed by a memorial service at 11am, all at Kraeer-Becker Funeral Home in Deerfield Beach. In lieu of flowers, the family asks to please consider a donation in Pat's name to the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society.