With gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Patrice Claire Kaneda, 90, of Amston Lake. CT, who died peacefully in her lake home on July 1st, after a remarkable journey marked by courage, curiosity, and unwavering dedication to learning and teaching.

She is survived by her husband, Kunihiro Kaneda; brother Donald Demers; sister Paulette Demers-Uptain; daughter Paige Westerfield; son Jan Duprey, and his wife Patty Sofianos; grandchildren Anna Duprey and Ray Dinsmore; and Jonathan Duprey-Kasmire and Kate Duprey-Kasmire; great-grand children Elliot Dinsmore, Ruth Dinsmore, and Sylvie Dinsmore; cousin David Demers; along with nieces, nephews, and other cousins.. She was predeceased by her parents Theodore and Estelle Demers; brother Keneth Demers; and brother in law Ed Uptain.

Four and a half years ago, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and later renal failure. Though the prognosis was grim, she met every challenge with quiet determination and extraordinary resilience, continuing to inspire those around her with her strength, grace, and appreciation for each day she was given. Six months to live became a repetitive mantra that would continuously be denied.

Education was the foundation of her life's work. She devoted 35 years to teaching, shaping the minds and hearts of countless students. Her passion for learning extended far beyond the classroom. Following her retirement from public education, she accepted the opportunity to lecture and teach in Japan, embracing another culture with enthusiasm and sharing her knowledge with students across the world.

Retirement was not an ending but the beginning of another chapter. Believing that learning never stops, she returned to her own studies and reinvented herself as an author. Through dedication and perseverance, she wrote and published two books (with a third on the way), fulfilling a lifelong dream and leaving a lasting contribution that reflected her intellect, creativity, and love of storytelling.

Those who knew her remember her as a scrabble junkie, restaurateur, and conversationalist. She approached every stage of life with optimism, determination, and an open mind, inspiring family, friends, colleagues, and former students to pursue knowledge with the same enthusiasm that defined her own life.

She leaves behind a legacy of education, compassion, resilience, and achievement. Her influence will continue through the many lives she touched in classrooms, living rooms, and the pages of her books. She demonstrated that it is never too late to learn something new, to embrace another culture, or to pursue a dream.

She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. While we mourn her passing, we celebrate a life rich with purpose, service, and love.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) or the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Above all else, buy her books. She always wanted to be a best selling author so every sale gets her closer to that dream.

May her memory continue to inspire all who knew her.