Patricia Anne Riley Coons

VOORHEESVILLE - Patricia Anne Riley Coons born in North Albany, the daughter of Willis Riley and Zabeda Blake, passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 16, 2021 after a long battle with cancer. She was 79 years old.

Patricia is survived by her husband Francis of 63 years and their 14 adopted children: Steven (Gail), Kevin, Donald, William (Loretta), Jeffrey, Adam (Melody), Jason, Daniel (Meredith), Tina, Sonya (Jason), Mary Beth, Jeanette (Amin), Naomi (Michael) and Christian. She is also survived by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren and her two sisters, Shirley (Edward) and Eleanor (Claude). She is predeceased by her brothers, Armand, Eugene and Willis, Jr.; and her sisters, Francis-Ruth, Marion, Violet, Janice, Nellie, Lois and Hazel. Despite her large family Patricia always made time for everyone. She always provided support and love for her family. She and her husband Francis worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for their kids. Her greatest love was her family. Words cannot describe her determination, not only to provide the best for her children but her relentless passion for life.

The family would like to thank all of the doctors and nurses for their support. A special thank you to Dr. Lawrence Garbo and Dr. Barbara Hauser for their years of care. Thank you to Hospice and her aides Stephanie, Karen and Kate at Unlimited Care. Patricia also enjoyed time with her many pets.
Patricia worked with the Albany County Department of Social Services for 20 years as a foster parent to over 100 children. She was voted the Capital District Elks Mother of the Year in 1985.

The viewing will be on Tuesday, July 20, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie. The burial will be on Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the Schenectady Memorial Park, 566 Giffords Church Rd., Schenectady. There will be a small celebration of life immediately following the burial at the Voorheesville American Legion Post 1493, 31 Voorheesville Ave., Voorheesville.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Joan Nicole Prince Home. Checks may be made out to the Schenectady Community Home and mailed to 22 Glenview Drive, P.O. Box 2122 Scotia, NY 12303.