Patricia M. Price

Pat was born in Queens, NY on January 13, 1929, and moved to Great Neck, NY shortly thereafter, living there until marrying James Edward Price, a dashing young graduate of the nearby Merchant Marine Academy. They moved to Buffalo, NY briefly and then in 1962 settled in Bethel Park, a suburb of Pittsburgh PA, to raise their six children.

While Pat was busy raising her six children, she was also finding her life’s passion in public service and dedication to the community. She began her involvement with the Parks and Recreation Board and was soon appointed by the Pennsylvania Department of Community Affairs to conduct seminars throughout the state to both share and gather information on a variety of topics facing local communities. This grew into a desire to run for public office, and in 1977 she became the first woman to run for Council in the town of Bethel Park. She campaigned the old-fashioned way and knocked on every single door in the 7th Ward to talk to voters about their concerns and what she envisioned for a better Bethel Park and won with a convincing 74% of the vote. After serving four years on the Council, she was approached about running for State Representative but made the decision with family that with school aged children at home she couldn’t make the time commitment.

Throughout Pat’s adult life there was one constant (other than Jim of course) and that was the League of Women Voters. After Pat and her husband retired to Sarasota, Florida in 1991, Pat resumed her near full-time dedication to the League, taking on the role of League president, moderating political forums and co-hosting a weekly “Blab TV” show with the former mayor of Sarasota Kerry Kirschner. In 2007, she was recognized by the Sarasota County Bar Association with the Distinguished Service Award for her role in televised Judicial Forums. Once asked why she loved voter service, she replied “the heart of the League is not just voter registration, but offering factual information to produce an informed voter.” Later in her LWV career she became passionate about promoting VOTE411, a “one stop shop” for nonpartisan election related information.

In her spare time, Pat volunteered at Sarasota Memorial Hospital and at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Theatre. She also enjoyed traveling the world with Jim and various other members of her family.

Pat is survived by her sister Kelly Richardson, her daughters Donna Walker, Noel and Megan Willis (Jerry) and son Kevin (Nancy) as well as eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. She was predeceased by her husband James, her daughter Janis Hanson and her son James Jr.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Robert Toale and Sons,7454 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota on November 19th at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the League of Women Voters via their website. In remembrance of Pat, please vote in the mid-terms.