Gram Patty’s Purse returns to Sweden Valley Manor | Local
“She was not just my grandmother, she was one of my best friends,” says Cara Bates of her grandmother Patty Campbell.
Campbell passed away at the age of 90 on October 6, 2021. Loved by all who knew her, she spent the last six weeks of her life at Sweden Valley Manor in Coudersport.
“She was everyone’s grandmother,” says Malanie Housler, Campbell’s daughter and Bates’ mother.
“When your grandson’s friends want to go on vacation with you, you’re doing something right.”
Campbell lived in Austin, Emporium and Coudersport and had two daughters, Melanie and Marta. She was a grandmother of four and had three great-grandchildren.
She worked as an emergency room secretary at Cole Memorial Hospital for many years.
Campbell was known for his lively personality. She loved shopping and giving presents and was known for taking her grandchildren on a Hot Wheels car every time she saw them, which she often did.
“I have lots of Hot Wheels,” said eight-year-old grandson Kroy Bates.
“We have full bins,” adds his sister, six-year-old Kenna.
Campbell is especially remembered for her style, her care and love of looking good.
“She always looked good,” Bates said. “Perfect hair, make-up. The day she died she made her own nails.”
“She was always good-looking,” Kroy said.
To honor Campbell’s memory, the family started a foundation, Gram Patty’s Purse. Instead of memorial flowers, friends and family donated to the foundation.
The purpose of Gram Patty’s Purse was to put together baskets for the residents of Sweden Valley Manor to honor Campbell’s love of beauty and self-care.
“We got money, and people also donated items to the baskets,” says Bates.
The Bates and Housler family collected 82 baskets of personal hygiene items and donated them to the residents of Sweden Valley Manor on 15 November.
On November 15, Campbell would have turned 91 years old.
The women’s baskets contained nail polish, lotion, shampoo and other personal hygiene items, while the men’s baskets contained shaving accessories and toiletries.
“They were so good to my mom in Sweden Valley,” Housler said. “With COVID, the staff was under a lot of stress, but they took such good care of her.”
“This really brought us together as a family,” Bates said. “It helped us and the children do something for others in her memory.
“We also made some baby baskets. If any children enter the hospital, we will donate them there. ”
“Gram Patty also liked to give me stamps, because I like writing letters,” Kroy said. “I used them when I wrote thank-you notes for donations.”
If additional money is raised, the family is considering setting up a fund for the beauty salon at Sweden Valley Manor. Styling services are available, but not all residents can afford them.
Bates and Housler remembered Gram Patty’s favorite words as they made the baskets ready for delivery:
“You’re never too sick to feel beautiful.”