Norfolk —Patricia Kelsay Wisoff, beloved wife for 65 years to Dr. Carl Peter Wisoff, passed away in her home in Norfolk, Va. surrounded by family on Monday, June 13, 2016—just shy of her 86th birthday.
Born amid the great depression, the onset of the great plains dust bowl drought, and the darkening troubles that would lead to another devastating world war, Patty entered the world with an indomitable and joyous hope, spirit, optimism and curiosity that would sustain her and the others whose hearts she touched for decades to come. Her adoptive parents, Imogene Kelsay and Ora Kelsay of Loveland, Ohio raised her after her mother died at childbirth and instilled in her those happy, friendly Ohio mid-western sensibilities that defined her life outlook and gave her voice its distinctive sing-song quality. Her favorite word was “wonderful,” a label she used to describe everything from a gorgeous view to an interesting insect. She loved to read about everything, to cook for everyone and to dance to music from every culture and corner of the world.
In 1950, as a young nursing student at the age of 20, she met her soul mate Carl outside a movie theater in Cincinnati, Ohio. Three months later they were married and the rest, as they say, is history. Together they nurtured an enduring and ever deepening love and respect for each other that no Disney fairytale could begin to replicate. They lived happily ever after, raising four children, spoiling seven grandchildren (Whitney, Samantha and John Napolitano; Keano Rich; Sari Wisoff; Jeffrey James and Michael Wisoff) and traveling the world, enjoying the sights, foods, music and art of every culture and tradition. Pat’s life, in her own words, was “wonderful.”
Wonderful, full of wonder, is how Pat saw the troubled world into which she was born. And it is how anyone who got to know her came to see her. The mark she left on this world makes it a better and even more wonderful place for those of us and our families that she left behind, including husband Carl Wisoff of Norfolk, daughters Sherri Wisoff and Wendy Napolitano of Virginia Beach, sons Brandon Wisoff of San Rafael, California and Jeff Wisoff of Pleasanton, California. We are eternally honored and grateful to have shared our lives with such an amazing and extraordinary woman.
H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts. Donations in her memory may be made to Vanguard Landing, a proposed community for adults with special needs, or another charity of the donor’s choice. The memorial was private. Online condolences may be made at www.hdoliver.com.