Patricia M. Bransome

patricia  bransome
Patricia(Patsy) Bransome, 94, of Fairfax, VA died peacefully at home on July 13,2020 with her oldest child Kelly at her side. She moved to Fairfax in 2014. She was married to the late Bill Bransome (d.2002) for 53 years and raised 7 children while living most of her life on the Philadelphia Main Line.

Born in Newark, NJ, Patsy attended Eden Hall/Academy of The Sacred Heart, just outside of Philadelphia. There was a special brand of intellectual fun encouraged by the nuns that formed many of the young women attending. Learning to express themselves in singing, acting, poetry and word games created the delightful and witty woman and mother she would become.

"Patsy was pure joy, known for her beauty and character, undeniable charm and her engaging smile, " her family said in a tribute. "She was down-to-earth with no pretense and devoted many years to helping and mentoring both men and women. " Her unique style of wit and wisdom will leave an indelible mark in the hearts of many people.

Her ability to lift spirits by quoting a phrase from a famous author or her own heart were legendary. From Tennyson she often repeated, "More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of," and her personal favorite, "Growing old ain't for sissies!" Her love of life and spirituality was infectious and a source of great strength to those she touched.

When they had been married for 35 years and her late husband Bill was hospitalized with cancer, a priest came to visit and asked him if there was any request he had. He paused and said, "Yes, Father, I want what Patsy has. Will you baptize me?" That was her gift-you wanted what she had. Many years later after a harrowing incident where she resuscitated him at their home in Bryn Mawr, prior to the arrival of the ambulance, she was the toast of Bryn Mawr Hospital's Coronary Care Unit. When she walked into his room later that morning and said, "Hello Darling," to her heavily sedated husband, his heart monitor registered the sound of her voice. The nurses and doctors sang her praises for days.

She was a voracious reader and a superb wordsmith. One of her many talents was being able to look at and solve the Cryptogram without ever picking up a pen. Her love of travelling and seeing much of the world was shared with her family and her friends. On one of their trips to Paris while Patsy was in her 80's, her daughter remarked, "She loved the city and outwalked me every single day."

In addition to Kelly, Patsy is survived by her 4 loving children; Elizabeth Higgins(Albert) of Dade City, FL; Suzanne of New York City; Madeleine Olster (Bruce) of Lakewood Ranch, FL; Patrick of Pittsburgh, PA; her grandchildren Jack Bransome , Brooke Olster Hadas and Gregory Olster. She was preceded in death by 2 sons, William Jr., and Michael.

Patsy had 4 siblings and is survived by 1 sister, Peggy Evans of Red Bank, NJ. and her many nieces and nephews who were profoundly touched by her loving kindness and her authentic personality.

The family will receive friends at the Money and King Funeral Home, 171 W. Maple Ave. on Friday, July 31, 2020 from 1:00pm until the service time at 2pm.

Current Covid Restrictions apply, Face Mask and Social Distancing.

A Live stream of the Funeral Service will begin shortly before 2pm

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Guestbook

  1. The Owners and Staff at the Money and King Funeral Home, wish to express our sincere sympathy to you. It is our hope that we may be able to make a difficult time more bearable. Please feel free to call us anytime as we are always available to you. Bob Gallagher Funeral Director

  2. Dear Mom, I Love you to the Moon & Back ! Darling, you will be in my Heart forever. All My Love, xoxo Betsy

  3. Dear Patsy, It was a Joy & Great Pleasure to Have you in My Life, I’ll Be Forever Grateful. Your Words Of wisdom will Carry On. You Have Truly Blessed me . Love You, Al Higgins

  4. I met Patsy after she moved in with Kelly. Even in her later years, her wit shone through. It was obvious what a special person she was. All the Bransome family is in my thoughts.

  5. Patsy’s spirit will truly live on. She was a bright, happy beam of sunshine wherever she was & others were so drawn to her. Being in her presence was always a joy & she’s been missed since she moved from the MainLine. Patsy wore her age with such style & humor so, like her husband, “I want what she has”. Much love to the whole family.

  6. May you Rest In Peace Patsy Bransome . You are included in my daily prayers with my dearly departed loved ones. Along with your beautiful smile and grace I especially appreciated your warmth and friendliness towards me. Much love and condolences to the family. Sending prayers for peace, Lilly Austin

  7. The most vivid memory I have was watching Patsy boogie boarding at Spring Lake. She caught every wave and had a smile on her face as she road the waves . She had a love for jewelry. Last April I saw her when I visited Kelly for the Cheery Blossom Festival. I had bought some souvenirs and a bracelet that had cherry blossoms etched on it. When I asked her which of the things I bought she liked. She said the bracelet of course. She always had a smile on her face and you always felt loved by her. I am so blessed to have known Patsy and her family. Nancy Gray

  8. Kelly and family, Respectfully and lovingly remembering your wonderful mother as a beautiful person inside and out. Prayers, sympathy and peace to you all with love, Eileen xo Eileen McAneny Gallagher

  9. I met Patsy Bransome as a teenager when Kelly and I became friends. I can still see her on her lounge chair catching the sun rays on Church Road. It always amazed me how young she was in mind, body and spirit. That impression never left me. She was an incredibly loving and strong woman not only for her family but also for so many others whose lives she touched. She was a woman of strong and unwavering faith. She had a sweet disposition, a playful sense of humor and always a smile. God bless you, Patsy! The world is a better place for your having passed through it.

  10. Suzanne..so sorry to learn of Patsy’s passing.. she was one memorable lady..so glad I got to know her. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers..Bill and I send our love.

  11. I loved Patsy with all my heart. I will miss her beauty, joy and sense of humor. On one visit to Spring Lake, my daughter Catherine was only 11 months old. After I had showered, Patsy had propped Catherine in a chair in the den and put the remote control in her hands. Just silly, but she always made me laugh.

  12. I want to send my sincere condolences to the Bransome Family. Memories of fun and honesty and dedication to task returned the minute I saw this. May God Bless all of you and your Mom..you are in my prayers. Howard

  13. To Patsy’s children, Your mother was a dear friend of mine for over 40 years, at Church, at the pool, and at “other places”. She was just a wonderful courageous person, as was your Father. They had lived experiences that would test the strongest and most noble of people and Patsy especially lived it with prayer and grace. She was so beautiful and so stylish and funny. I have missed her over these last years. I know she must be so happy in heaven. God bless you all, have peaceful hearts. Hello especially to Suzanne and Patrick. All my love, Pat Snead


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