Patricia A. Killius

Patricia “Pat” Anne Killius, 72, of Syracuse, passed away peacefully in her home on May 26, 2023. Pat was the eldest daughter of Walter and Nancy Killius. Due to being born prematurely, Pat endured physical disabilities, which she dealt with bravely and courageously, never allowing her disabilities to hold her back from living the best life she could live. Pat volunteered with the organization Self Advocates of Central New York; she fought for residential living for people with mental and physically disabilities, which gave them the opportunity to live in a home rather than an institution. Pat was awarded a grant from the New York Developmental Disabilities Council to do self-advocacy training, assisting others that are disabled. Through a program at Syracuse University, and a grant provided by the Mott Foundation, Pat worked with Michael Kennedy, on the project Self Advocacy for the Disabled. Their work was not only assisting and training people with disabilities, but also advising government officials of the needs of those disabled. They spoke at hearings of the state’s Developmental Disabilities Planning Committee, fighting to close down institutions for the disabled and provide homes within communities. They did a presentation for the Association for Residential Service Providers attended the International Self-Advocacy Conference in Seattle Washington. Issues in their presentation included self-advocacy, lack of transportation, employment, independent living, and education for those that are disabled. While living in the state institution, Syracuse Developmental Center, Pat assisted in forming and participated in a governing body that served as a forum for the residents where they could speak out of their needs, rights, and concerns. Pat was instrumental with Brennan’s Beach and RV Park (then owned and operated by Dick and Trilby Brennan) becoming the first privately own campground in New York State to provide handicapped restroom facilities for those with physical challenges. When Pat was not advocating for self-advocacy and being a role model for her peers, she was a member of the Out of Sighters singing group and later the Syracuse Community Choir. She was an avid baseball fan, supporting the Syracuse Chiefs whenever she could get to a game, but also her favorite team, the New York Yankees. Pat enjoyed all SU sports as well. She also enjoyed bowling and going to the movies. Pat loved being with her family and friends and was a much loved daughter, sister, and friend. Preceded by her father, Walter, in 2018, and her brother, Peter, in 2022, Pat is survived by her mother, Nancy Blair Killius, and her siblings, Pamela (Gary) Burket, Paul (Maria) Killius, Marguerite (Craig) Harper, as well as several nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, many cousins, and her lifelong friends. Calling hours will be Monday, June 5th from 4 to 7 pm at Fergerson Funeral Home, 215 South Main Street, North Syracuse. Tuesday, June 6th at 9:30 am a prayer service at the funeral home will be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am at St. Rose of Lima Church, 407 South Main Street, North Syracuse, and burial in North Syracuse Cemetery. Donations may be made, in lieu of flowers, to Hospice of CNY, 990 Seventh North Street, Liverpool, New York 13088.