Patricia Ann Sexton, master gardener
Patricia Ann Sexton (“Pat”) passed away peacefully at age 82, at her home in Milton Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020, in the loving embrace of her family. Born in Middletown, N.Y., May 31, 1938, Pat was the daughter of Anthony L. Sienko and Lydia Horak Sienko.
She is survived by her children, Toni (Brett), Lisa (Delbert) and Matthew, and grandchildren: Conrad, Alexandra, David, Olivia, Alden, Mia, Isabella and Isaiah. She was an avid learner, earning an associate degree in nursing from Orange Community College, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from Binghamton University, and certification as a Nurse Practitioner from Syracuse University. Her nursing career spanned nearly 40 years, during which she worked in a variety of hospitals and later as a public health nurse in Binghamton, N.Y. She also taught nursing at Broome Community College in Binghamton. After retiring to Delaware, Pat continued to work as a public health nurse and joined the Delaware Medical Reserve Corps.
Her passions beyond nursing included drawing and painting, folk dancing and gardening. Her drawings and paintings earned local awards, and she danced for countless hours with the Roberson Folk Dancers in Binghamton. A skilled gardener, she completed the training to become a Delaware Master Gardener and enjoyed helping others to learn about gardening as well as tending to her own beautiful gardens. She earned the Delaware Lifetime Master Gardener Award from the Kent and Sussex Counties Master Gardeners. She was a caring friend, mother and grandmother who delighted in spending time with her grandchildren. Her kindness, compassion and sense of humor touched many lives. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no services at this time. The family hopes to have a celebration of life in December, if the pandemic permits.
Donations in memory of Pat may be made for the beautification of the gardens of the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist in Milton. For family and friends who would like to make a gift in her memory, please make it to: Memorial Fund, Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist and make a note on the memo line “Pat Sexton Memorial.” Mail to Memorial Fund, Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, P.O. Box 441, Milton, DE 19968. Donations can also be made online at https://www.stjohnthebaptistmilton.org/give.html. Utilize “Dedicate my donation in honor or in memory of someone.” Type in “Pat Sexton.”
Please visit www.parsellfuneralhomes.com and sign Ms. Sexton’s online memorial web page.
