Obituary of Patricia Carey

Patricia F. Carey, Rye art and music leader, died on March 17th at Greenwich Hospital. The cause of death was complications following major surgery. This was confirmed by her husband of 65 years former Judge and Rye Mayor John Carey. Mrs. Carey was a founder and the first president of the Rye Arts Center, Inc. She was the first coordinator of the educational programs for children at the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts and served as a trustee on their board for 35 years. She was currently on their Advisory Board as well as a board member of the Hope House in Port Chester, NY. She graduated from Girls High School in Philadelphia and from Swarthmore College. Her Father Dr. Victor H. Frank was president of the American Society of Oral Surgeons and her mother Lee W Frank, an artist, also hosted her own radio show “Tea with Merry Lee”. Mrs. Carey studied at both the Art Students League of New York and The Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia. As a younger lady, Patricia was a member of the Philadelphia Forum, the Student World Federalists, worked in radio with Young and Rubicam and campaigned tirelessly with lifelong friend Louise Hoffman on the 1948 presidential election for Adlai Stevenson. Patricia grew up in a home founded in a love of family, appreciation for the dramatic and fine arts, the pursuit of world peace and Penn Football. Patricia Carey shared her magical smile and twinkle in her eyes with everyone she met. Regardless of the situation she was always there to bring hope and a positive perspective to all. Her artistic vision brought out the beauty of every endeavor and helped frame the best path to take. Her optimism and spirit was and is best captured in her favorite song, “You will Never Walk Alone” from the show "Carousel". She was loved by her friends and family and will be dearly missed. Mrs. Carey was predeceased by her parents, her brother, Olympian Victor H. Frank Jr. and her second son John Carey Jr. She leaves behind three surviving children; Henry (Faye) of Decatur, Georgia, Douglas of Rye, New York and Jennifer Reichle (Philip) of Fredericksburg, Texas. She was most proud of her five grandchildren Shenoa Victoria, John Henry, Miho, Caleb and Nathaniel. The wake is scheduled for Wed. March 23 at Graham’s Funeral Home in Rye, NY from 4 to 6 and 7 to 9 PM. Service will be Sat. March 26 10:30 AM at All Souls Church in Port Chester, NY. with a burial at Greenwood Union Cemetery to follow. A Celebration of her life will be held in late spring. “When you walk through a storm, keep your head up high. At the end of the storm is a golden Sky….You will never walk alone.”