Sarah G. (Patterson) Kennedy 84, of the Tuscarora Nation, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2025 under the care of her family and hospice. Sarah was a longtime resident of Kentucky but spent her time between Kentucky and the Tuscarora Nation for many years. Sarah was a member of the Tuscarora Beaver Clan. Daughter of Percy and Eleanor (Chew) Patterson. She graduated from Thomas More University and was employed by Overhead Door and retired from Fidelity Investments. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading, walking, and art and crafts.
Sarah was born in her family’s home on Chew Road and her grandmother Sarah was a midwife and assisted with her birth so she was named for her. Her parents were both fluent Tuscarora speakers as well as several other Haudenosaunee languages. Her mother was a boarding school survivor with a resilient spirit passed on to her children.
Sarah was the keeper of the southern door for friends and family always providing shelter and comfort to them as they passed through Kentucky on travels. Her home was always open and a meal and support provided for those in need. She was not rich but was rich in compassion and love and was always giving even if it was just sending a niece off with a bag of candy or a couple rolls of quarters as they made their way home.
She was kind, always positive and her love for her family and friends was limitless. Her legacy and wisdom will live on through her family and friends that loved and cherished her.
Sarah is survived by her two daughters: Angela (Tom) Jonathan and Sybil (Eric) Schuler. Grandchildren: Derek Jonathan, Danielle (Shawn) Jonathan, Dylan (Nick) Jonathan, Kierra (Donovan) Schuler, Terrence (Maddie) Schuler, Tiffany (Ethan) Schuler, Kallie (Drew) Whisman and Ayce Schuler. Great grandchildren: Dawson, Rosalyn, Dalias, Margot and Hazel. Siblings: Prisciela Williams and Percy Peter (late Deanna)Patterson Jr., sister-in-law Doris (late Stuart) Patterson and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and 2 aunts Norma Brascoupe and Ida Seeloff.
Preceded in death by husband Thomas Kennedy, son Eric K. Patterson, and siblings Patricia (Melvin) Wegerski, Beatrice (Oliver) Best, Myron Patterson, Chief Stuart Patterson, Clara (Lawrence) Fish, Norman (Clara) Patterson, and Kathleen Wheatley.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sarah’s memory to the Tuscarora Language Program (NTLP) 5226 Walmore Rd, Lewiston, NY 14092 or Niagara Hospice, Inc. 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY 14094.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.
To send a flower arrangement in memory of Sarah G. (Patterson) Kennedy, please click here to visit our sympathy store.
Courtesy of MJ Colucci Funeral Home.
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