Patricia Barmby

Patricia Marcia Barmby, Olathe, Kansas passed away on Friday, July 27th at Good Samaritan Center, Olathe. Pat had a magnificent life and was blessed to have lived to be 102 years old. She was born July 4, 1910 in Kingston upon Hull, Yorkshire, England to John James and Jane Ellen Pooley. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Sadie and youngest son Terry.

Pat is survived by her eldest son John R. "Ray" Barmby, Olathe and wife Joyce; grandson Gavin Barmby and wife Sheila (Olathe), granddaughters Heather Robinson and husband Steve (Olathe); Belinda Buddrus and husband Jim (Dallas, Tx); Amanda Hawn (Springfield, Mo)and Angela Bullock and husband Craig (Houston, Tx) along with four step-grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren.

Pat emigrated to the USA in 1953 along with her son Terry to join Ray who emigrated in 1952. She resided in Kansas City, Mo for several years during her employment at Emery Bird Thayer, Constance Leiter on the Plaza and Gustin Bacon Mfg. Co. Until her passing Pat could recount for friends and family having to flee into nearby fields to escape enemy bombs raining down from zeppelins (airships) upon her Hull neighborhood during WWI (in 1915). Her vivid memory of standing in a line (queue) during a snow storm to purchase fresh oranges during WWII puzzled many who were unaware of food shortages and severe rationing of bare essentials.

Always one to acknowledge that others might not be enjoying a fun filled life Pat, an accomplished pianist, organized the Silver Strings Orchestra while a resident of the Good Samaritan Towers (Olathe) for 26 years. As many as 21 senior citizen volunteer friends visited metro nursing homes, golden wedding anniversary celebrations and hotel events to enrich the lives of the elderly.

Aware that a number of Olathe elderly residents lived alone or did not have any living relatives Pat organized the Senior Citizen Day on which every senior citizen received a fresh carnation delivered by Boy and Girl Scout troops, youth soccer teams and other volunteer young people eager to surprise older neighbors with a smile and a flower.

Pat was very proud of the greeting card she received from Queen Elizabeth II on her 100th birthday. She was very grateful that the USA had welcomed her as a permanent resident but remained a loyal British subject her entire life complete with her English accent and terminology.

Heaven's band of Angels has now admitted a pianist unto their throng

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to Great Plains SPCA, 5428 Antioch, Merriam, Ks 66202 or Hospice of Olathe Medical Center, 20333 W. 151st St., Suite 301, Olathe, Ks 66061-7211.