Patricia “Patty” Ann Bilney, 70, born December 30, 1955, in Jersey City, New Jersey, passed away on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at home. Patty was a longtime Stillwater resident, living there for the past 36 years.
From the start, Patty carried a steady warmth that made people feel at ease. Her life was shaped by a deep devotion to those she loved, and she had a special way of turning ordinary moments into places of belonging—opening her home and her heart and making room at the table for everyone. More than anything, family came first, and that love was the constant thread running through every season of her life.
For more than 40 years, Patty worked as a dental and medical insurance specialist, bringing the same care and attentiveness to her work that she gave so freely to the people around her. Through life’s challenges, she met each day with quiet grace and perseverance, taking obstacles in stride and remaining a symbol of strength to the very end.
Patty found joy in the simple pleasures that made life feel full: vacationing—especially trips to the Jersey Shore—settling in to watch her favorite game shows, and the delight she took in shopping. She also loved hosting and entertaining, and Christmas gatherings were her favorite—times when her welcoming spirit shone brightest and her home felt like a true celebration of togetherness. Patty was known for welcoming anyone who didn’t have a place to go on the holidays and making them part of her family, a reflection of the generous, open-hearted way she moved through the world.
Patty was predeceased by her mother, Kathleen (nee Hopkins) Varaccalli; her father, Peter Varacalli; and her cousin and best friend, Suzie Nickel. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Richard “Dick” Bilney; her daughter, Shana Sliker and husband, James “Buddy” Sliker; her son, Richard P. Bilney; her grandchildren, Austin Sliker, Savannah, Aiden and Ava; and her sisters, Margaret Szymanski and husband, Dan, Florence Hahner and husband, Harold, and Kathy DesLonde and husband, Eddie. Patty is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Visitation will be held from 4 pm to 7 pm on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High St., Newton, NJ, with a time of sharing beginning at 7 pm. Interment will be private in Stillwater Cemetery, Stillwater, NJ.
The family would like to offer their thanks to Patty’s nurse, Megin, and aide, Angela, for the outstanding level of care they offered throughout Patty’s illness. Their comfort and support exceeded all expectations and they became family.
Online condolences may be offered to the family below.
