Mary Pat Birdsall

Mary Pat (nee Lankow) Birdsall, of Amherst, entered into rest on February 14, 2022 at age 76. Born on May 15, 1945 to Clare W. and Norma (nee Steele) Lankow. Beloved wife of the late James Otis Birdsall; dear sister of Dawn (James) Ryan, the late Diane (Dennis) Stevens and Fred (Merry) Lankow; loving aunt of six nieces and six nephews. Mary Pat was kind, intelligent, and generous with her time and talents as a teacher, first in East Aurora and later at Chesapeake Community College in Maryland, where she established an award-winning Writing Lab. She made a difference in the lives of all who knew her – family, friends, and students. A skilled artist and artisan, she painted, sculpted, and crafted complex needlepoint projects. An avid reader, she loved theater in which she minored at SUNY Fredonia, where she earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. She loved to cook and to travel, but was happy to return to Western New York, which she called home. Constant as a star, she was always there, shining light for all who knew her. A celebration of Mary Pat’s life will be held at a later date. Arrangements by DENGLER, ROBERTS, PERNA FUNERAL HOME.