Patricia Larue (Hagan)

The family expresses their gratitude to the ArchCare at Ferncliff staff for the loving and compassionate care Patricia received while residing there.

Viewing and a Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, February 10th at ArchCare at Ferncliff Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center, 21 Ferncliff Drive, Rhinebeck, NY.

The viewing will be at 9am, to 10:00 am followed by the mass at 10:30am at ArchCare at Ferncliff.

Patricia LaRue (Hagan) was born to James and Mary Hagan on March 6, 1939, in Schenectady, NY, and peacefully passed away on February 4, 2024. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, and advocate for the unfortunate and forgotten in the Hudson Valley.

Patricia is survived by her beloved husband of 64 years, James LaRue, and her children, Brigette Miller (Roger), Chris LaRue (Kay), Scott LaRue (Diane), Suzette Van Benschoten (Mark), and Necole LaRue. Her legacy lives on through her seventeen cherished grandchildren.

Patricia supported those in need in the area as Director of Catholic Charities of Ulster County for the Archdiocese of New York for over 17 years. Upon her retirement she formed the St. Joseph's Homeless and Hunger Office at the St. Joseph's Mission Church in Hurley assisting those in need with food, clothing, households supplies and, most important, counseling.  Her tireless efforts to combat poverty and hunger in her community were acknowledged through numerous awards and recognition, but even more so through the love and respect of the clients for whom she so passionately advocated.

She also founded the Ulster County Affiliate for Habitat for Humanity providing low-cost housing for those who were unable to afford a house of their own.

Pat had several varied interests. She ran an antique store in the early 1970's, and enjoyed designing clothing using vintage laces and fabrics. After moving to the family farm in 1972, Pat was fearless in taking on all its challenges and adventures. Pat took great pleasure in life's simple joys. She enjoyed chocolate and cooking big family meals at the farm. Pat also enjoyed expressing herself through fashion and never left the house without a stylish outfit complete with a hat and vibrant lipstick. She had a natural talent for making events special, and went out of her way to create memorable experiences for everyone involved.

In addition to her community service and personal interests, Patricia loved to explore the world around her. She embarked on remarkable journeys to places like Russia, China, and Africa, taking in the diverse cultures and experiences each destination offered. Closer to home, she loved trips to Cape Cod to enjoy the ocean with her family. Above all, Patricia's greatest legacy lies in the strong sense of family unity she instilled in her loved ones. Her love, guidance, and unwavering support created a tight-knit bond that will continue for generations to come.

Patricia LaRue will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched. Her dedication to serving the less fortunate, her love for others, and her commitment to family values will continue to inspire and serve as a guiding light for those she leaves behind. May she rest in eternal peace and may her memory forever be a blessing to us all.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Advanced Memory Care at Ferncliff through archcare.org.