Patricia Ann Whitney

Derby, VT

Patricia Ann Whitney passed away quietly and painlessly surrounded by family on April 21, 2024. Pat was born on August 13, 1946, in Rutland, Vermont, to Harold Glenn and Laura Mae Nicholson. She was raised in Montpelier and graduated from Montpelier High School. As a girl, Pat loved girl scouting and her church choir and youth group. All of which led to her meeting her future husband, Spencer Hale Whitney, whom she married on March 28, 1967.

After graduating high school Pat continued her education at Vermont College, then earned a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education and English from the University of Vermont, and lastly received a Master's degree in Library and Information Science from the University at Albany. Pat and Spence eventually put down roots in their hometown of Montpelier to raise their children, Lynnette and Gavin. Pat worked as a librarian for the Barre City School system.

Throughout her life, Pat was an avid reader, a crafter of any variety, and an excellent cribbage player. She enjoyed activities with her family at their camp in Norton, Vermont, and volunteering for numerous organizations. Pat enjoyed choral singing in college, then enjoyed following the Barre-Tones chorus.

Pat was widowed after giving her retirement notice in 2002. She then worked briefly as a part-time librarian at Brighton Elementary, where she got to enjoy reading to small children. Afterward, she started her full-time retirement, which she spent with her partner, Basil Ross of Derby.

Pat is survived by her partner, Basil, daughter Lynnette (Paul) Claudon of Monkton, and siblings, Steven Nicholson of Shrewsbury and Marjorie Magoon of Barre, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Pat was predeceased by her husband Spencer Whitney, her son Gavin Whitney, her parents, Harold Glenn and Laura Mae Nicholson; her brothers, Douglas and Frederick Nicholson; a nephew Billy Purdy, and lifelong friend Mary Myers.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, May 1st at Guare's Funeral Home, 30 School Street in Montpelier from 6 to 8 PM. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 2nd also at Guare's Funeral Home in Montpelier, starting at 2 pm, followed by interment at Green Mountain Cemetery.