Patricia "Pat" Steer

Patricia A. Steer, 56, of Camillus, passed away Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at Crouse Hospital from complications of colorectal cancer. Pat bravely fought her cancer with grace, humor and tenacity for eight long years. A Syracuse University graduate in journalism, she was an incredibly articulate writer. She wrote for several magazines and blogs and won many prestigious awards, including The Dog Writers Association of America. She was a dedicated employee of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Company for 25 years. Pat’s true love was training and showing dogs in all venues of competition. She served as an officer and instructor for the Syracuse Obedience Training Club. She shared her home with many dogs and cats and, more recently, when cancer made it difficult to train and compete with her own dogs, Pat worked with Kindred Spirits Greyhound Adoption, providing foster care. Pat had a passion for cooking and creating recipes. She was many times a finalist at the NYS Fair Grand Culinary competition. Pat was predeceased by her father, Donald M. Steer Sr., and infant brother, Matthew Steer. Surviving are her mother, Mary Steer of Camillus; sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Dan Ryan of Camillus; brothers and sisters-in-law, Don and Linda Steer of Warners, Jeffrey and Ann Steer of Marquette, Michigan, and Scott and Michelle Steer of Brooklyn; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 21 in St. Joseph's Church with Rev. Peter Worn officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Fight Colorectal Cancer, 1414 Prince St., Suite 204, Alexandria, VA 22314 or to Kindred Spirits Greyhound Adoption, Inc., 6685 Reservoir Rd., Clinton, NY 13323.