Obituary of Patricia Wayne

Patricia Stratton Wayne died on July 7, 2025. Born and raised in Akron, NY. Daughter of Albert and Carrie Stratton. She had three brothers Albert, Ward and Robert Stratton, who she loved dearly.  As she phrased it, they taught her how to “take what was coming to [her] on the chin, for in this boy’s world, there was no room for self-pity”. She was a proud University of Wisconsin graduate and former president of her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta. While studying at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she met her husband, Anthony H. Wayne. They shared 47 special years together filled with lots of laughter and endless adventures. The pair loved to travel the world visiting historical sites, natural wonders, and their grandchildren. They will now be reunited for eternity. Upon graduation, Patricia began her teaching career in South Wayne, Wisconsin before the newlyweds moved back to New York. Her passion for enriching future generations spread to her work as a history teacher at East High School in Rochester, New York. After completing her tenure molding young minds, she took on her next role as the town historian of Irondequoit in 1991. She will be remembered for her tireless commitment to historical preservation. In 2024 she was honored by the Landmark Society of Western New York for her collaborative efforts on several projects to protect Irondequoit landmarks. Under her leadership, the Irondequoit Historical Society completed the restoration and relocation of the 1830 Cobblestone Blacksmith Shop, the 1835 Pioneer House and the 1924 Cobblestone Clubhouse. Aside from her professional accomplishments, she was a voracious reader with a quick wit and intellect that made her the most formidable Trivial Pursuit opponent. You would often find her nose between the pages of a riveting psychological thriller or a historical biography and her children fondly recall her quoting one of her favorite novels, “Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again…” Her family will remember her most for her endless love, abundant life lessons, ability to wear heels for hours on end, and her iconic laughter mixed with an occasional “honestly”.

Mrs. Wayne is survived by her sons, Anthony (Kimber) Wayne, Mark (Donna) Wayne, and Stephen Wayne; daughters, Sarah Bartlett and Margaret (Daniel) Keefe; thirteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Anne’s Chapel on Monday, July 21^st at 12:00pm. A reception will be held at The Clubhouse in Durand Eastman following the internment ceremony of Patricia and Anthony at the Irondequoit Cemetery. There will be calling hours on Sunday, July 20^th from 1-3pm at the Paul W. Harris Funeral Home.

Arrangements will be made by the Paul W. Harris Funeral Home.

Memorials in her name may be made to the Heritage Christian Home, 90 Groton Parkway, 14623, or to the School of the Holy Childhood, 100 Groton Parkway, 14623 or St Ann's Nursing Home, 1500 Portland Ave, Rochester, NY 14621.