Obituary: Patricia Lynne Hardy (Bozzella), 50

[Editor's Note: Obituary provided by Lesko & Polke Funeral Home.]

Hardy- Patricia Lynne Hardy (Bozzella), age 50, beloved wife of John T. Bozzella, of Westport passed away peacefully in her home on October 6, 2012.

In addition to John, her devoted husband of 21 years, Patti will be lovingly remembered by her family including two cherished sons, John Hardy Bozzella and Paul Joseph Bozzella; her parents, Molly Hardy, and her husband, the Reverend William Romer of Acton, MA, Jack Hardy, and his wife, Diane, of Albany, NY; three sisters, Laura Sitrin, of Newport, RI, Suzanne Berger of Deerfield MA, and Jenna Hardy of Boston, MA; her parents-in-law, John and Cathleen Bozzella, of East Northport, NY; one sister-in-law, Laura Sheehan, and her husband, Timothy, of Westmont, NJ; two brothers-in-law, Thomas Bozzella, of Westport, Joseph Bozzella, and his wife, Kim, of New Canaan; her various nieces and nephews; as well as many dear friends.

Born in Albany, Patti was raised in West Sand Lake, NY. She resided in New York City, Albany, NY, McLean, VA, Grosse Pointe, MI, and New Canaan for several years before recently moving to Westport.

Patti graduated from Emma Willard Preparatory School in 1980, Cornell University in 1984, and received her MBA from New York University's Stern School of Business in 1989.

A former management consultant, she worked for Chemical Bank and BEA Associates before her employment with Deloitte. She used her business experience to the benefit of others, establishing the 501(c)3 organization, "PattiStrong Foundation", which focuses on the support of women's entrepreneurial initiatives throughout the world. She also was a volunteer for several organizations including Hospice Care, in Grosse Pointe, MI, Red Cross, of Detroit, MI, and the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Patti was a talented jewelry designer and water colorist, with many of her works displayed in the gallery of Silvermine Art Center. Naturally competitive and athletic, she participated in triathlons, was an avid downhill skier and held a black belt in Shodokan karate. She also enjoyed playing tennis and golf.

Above all, Patti was a dedicated, loving, and supportive wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, godmother, and friend. A person for others, she possessed a strong faith in God, and strived to see the good in every individual she came to know. Patti's positive approach in life will remain an inspiration to her family and friends alike.

Calling hours will be held on Friday from  4-8 p.m. in the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center. Her Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday at a time to be announce in St.Luke Church, 49 North Turkey Hill Road, Westport. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be directed to either: The PattiStrong Foundation, P.O.Box 184, Deerfield, MA 01342, or Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405.

To read more about her life and her battle with glioblastoma, a rare brain cancer, please go to www.carepages.com, website "PattiCare."

To find travel directions, or sign her guest register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com