Patricia "Patty" (Eldridge) Barufaldi, 61, of Waikoloa, HI, slipped peacefully away from us on Wednesday, April 8, 2015, while undergoing a clinical trial to help find a cure for cancer, at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle Washington, with her husband Paul and two sons; Christopher and Matthew by her side. With relentless courage, strength, and hope, Patty fought non-Hodgkin lymphoma for the past 4 years. Born in Springfield, MA, on December 4, 1953, the daughter of the late Harold and Jane (Miga) Eldridge, Patty lived most of her life in Somers, CT before relocating to HI, in 2011. She graduated from Somers High School, Class of 1971, and went on to earn an Associate's Degree from Springfield Technical Community College, a BS from American International College, and a Masters Degree from Westfield State University. She strongly valued education. She began her career as a laboratory Technician at Baystate Medical Center, while pursuing a higher education in computer sciences. She then worked for many years in pharmacology as a regulatory trainer, and was most recently employed by Oracle Corporation as a global training manager. She had an extraordinary zest and unquenchable thirst for life. She was one with sea, and could often be found under water floating gracefully amongst the exotic fish and turtles off the tranquil shores of the Big Island of Hawaii. She was an avid walker, hiker, and gardener. She loved to cook and travel, and adored vacationing with her family. Family, both immediate and extended, was a vital part of Patty's life. Over the past several years she grew passionate about quilting. Her unique creations are proudly displayed in every room of her home in Hawaii, as well as in the home of her loving sister, Kathy. Memories of her overwhelming positivity, and contagious smile will live on in hearts forever and ever. She is survived by her devoted husband of 35 years, Paul, her two loving sons; Christopher Barufaldi and his fiancée Sarah Parker, and Matthew Barufaldi, both of Somers, CT, and her siblings; Michael (Elaine) Eldridge and Daniel Eldridge of Somers, CT, and Kathy (Bill) Suggett of Parrish, FL, all of whom she profoundly loved. She also leaves Paul's loving mother, Pearl (Grammy) Barufaldi, who has resided with them in Somers CT, for the past 29 years. She was loved and will be sadly missed by her nieces and nephews, all of whom she was so proud; Andrea Eldridge, David Eldridge, Paul Barufaldi, Nina St Germain, and Jill Barufaldi, as well as a brother-in- law, Raymond (Pat) Barufaldi, two great nephews; Walker St Germain and Sterling St Germain, and a great niece, Fiona St Germain, along with two maternal aunts, and many loving cousins and dear friends, including one very special friend, Diane Larson, from Waikoloa, HI, who repeatedly cared for and supported Patty over the past several years. She was predeceased by her beloved parents, Harold and Jane (Miga) Eldridge. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Contributions in Patty's memory can be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.

[Published in The Hartford Courant on June 20, 2015]