Patricia Branch

Born and raised in the Bronx, Ms. Branch graduated from Morris High School in that borough. She settled in Stapleton in 1978.

She worked as a counselor at the Mission of the Immaculate Virgin at Mount Loretto, Pleasant Plains, and at the Staten Island Developmental Disabilities Service Organization for more than 30 years. She retired in 2013.

Ms. Branch enjoyed sewing, cooking and being a mother, not only to her own children, but for her community.

"She dedicated her life to enriching the lives of underprivileged children and the disabled," her family said, adding, "Her life was filled with selflessness and humility."

Surviving Ms. Branch are her sons, John and Fredric; her daughters, Victoria Hickson and Lolita Sherman; two brothers, David and Bobby Whigham; three sisters, Ladelle Pegram, Barbara Grigger and Victoria Rhinehart, and seven grandchildren.

The funeral service will be Friday at 5:30 p.m. in the Virginia Funeral Chapel, Dongan Hills. Arrangements include cremation.