Montpelier, VT Patience (Patty) Gray Rosebery passed away May 5th, 2011, at Central Vermont Hospital, with her family and friend Desiree Gadsden by her side after a courageous battle with cancer. Daughter of Marion Simpson Gray and Russell Gray, Patience Edna Gray was born Sept. 5th, 1937, in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. At the age of three, she and her family moved to East Charleston. Then, following the war, they settled on a farm in Kirby, where her mother and father were dairy farmers. At a young age Patty assumed the responsibility of milkmaid and other farm chores. In 4H, she won many red ribbons showing her calves. Patty attended a one-room school house in Lyndon, maintaining straight A's throughout her school years. She was a good athlete and could beat the fastest boy on the track team at sprinting. Graduating from high school with honors, Patty went on to Mary Hitchcock School of Nursing in Hanover, NH, where she maintained her Dean's list status. It was here she met her future husband, Frank Rosebery, and they were married shortly after graduation. Patty began her nursing career in a trauma unit in Manhattan. Then she and Frank spent several years in Mexico City and Acapulco where Patty worked in clinics and Frank worked as a newspaper journalist. Following their divorce in 1969, Patty worked in a trauma unit in Los Angeles. In the early 70's, Patty returned to New York City and became a head nurse and supervisor of the intensive care unit of North Shore Hospital in Manhasset, NY. Next she worked at Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn as assistant head nurse in the cardiac care unit until she retired. Patty was very exacting in her nursing standards, a true professional, well liked and respected by her peers. She expected colleagues in her unit to perform to the same standards she set for herself, evident by finger wagging at some of her fellow nurses. She was extremely kind to her patients and had a warm bedside manner. Apart from work, Patty thoroughly enjoyed the arts in NYC, regularly attending the theater, ballet, opera, and museums. From childhood, Patty had a love for animals, especially cats, and always had them as pets – her children in fur coats. In NYC, she fed all the homeless cats at her backdoor. Family ties were important to Patty, and brought her to Vermont for holiday celebrations. Upon retirement, she moved back to Vermont, and resided in Montpelier on Freedom Drive. It is here where she cared for her mother Marion in her final years. Always a leader, it was natural for Patty to become president of the condominium association. She assumed responsibility for upgrades needed throughout the complex, and made sure contractors towed the mark. If you said you were going to be there at 8 a.m., you'd best be there or she would be calling you. Thus, she affectionately acquired the nickname "the Sarge," which she loved! An avid gardener, Patty also took on the role of beautifying the grounds, creating lovely gardens throughout the condo complex. Patty had an engaging social life with her many friends, graciously hosting parties through the years. She always had Thanksgiving at her home so that none of her friends would lack a place to go for the holidays. A lively bridge partner, Patty played weekly. In Vermont, her interest in the arts continued with friends on trips to museums, opera, and ballet in Montreal, NYC, Boston, and Saratoga. Patty was classy, dressing for occasions with furs and jewelry. Experiencing life to the fullest, in recent years Patty traveled to China, North Africa, the Greek Isles, Italy, and Northern Europe. With close friends on this side of the ocean, she enjoyed a scenic train trip across Canada to California. Patty was intelligent and well read, kind yet strong, compassionate, and always ready to give someone a helping hand. Socially and community minded, she was generous in her support of charities. She is predeceased by her mother, Marion Gray, her father Russell Gray. Survivors are her brother, Arthur Gray and his wife Donna of Montpelier. Her nephew, Mathew Gray & wife Kat & neice Megan of Woodstock. Her nephew, Erik Gray & wife Tricia of Burlington. Her stepmother Gloria Gray of St. Johnsbury. Her sister, Rachel Demers and husband Guy of St. Johnsbury. Her sister, Judy Allard and her husband David of Lyndonville. Sylvia LaCourse & her husband Gilman of St. Johnsbury, Marjorie Carter of W. Burke. Keith & Kyle Gray of St. Johnsbury. Leslie Degreeier of St. Johnsbury. Her neice, Desire Rice & her husband Joshua of St. Johnsbury. Goddaughter, Tana Young of Torrance, California. We want to thank the nurses of Central Vermont Hospital for the quality care that Patty received. The wake will be held on Friday, May 20th 6-8pm at Guare & Sons Funeral Home. The celebration of her life will be held at the Unitarian Church in Montpelier on Saturday, May 21st at 12pm. Donations to the Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St, Montpelier, Vt. 05602 can be made in lieu of flowers in Patty's name. Those wishing to send on-line condolences may do so at www.guareandsons.com and go to Patty's obituary.