Patsy Ann Conces, 82, died Saturday, Nov. 26, 2011, at her home in Coeur d'Alene after a long battle with COPD. Patsy was born in Deshler, Ohio, on May 29, 1929, to Emma and Gilbert Grey.

Patsy devoted her life to being an advocate for people with disabilities. Some of her accomplishments include opening one of the first Montessori schools in Cleveland during the 1960s, researching child development at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio and being a director at a developmental center in Arizona. She finished her career as a residential habilitation provider for 15 years in Idaho.

She lived in Ohio, Arizona, Colorado and Idaho. She was a passionate gardener and won numerous blue ribbons at the North Idaho Fair for her dried flower exhibits. She was an avid reader and photographer and loved spending her vacation time in New Orleans with her brother and his family.

Survivors include children: Daniel "Dino" (Cookie) - Coeur d'Alene, Michael - Coeur d'Alene, Timothy (Betty) - Hayden, David (Gail) - Post Falls, Nancy (Peter) - Sandusky, Ohio, Jennifer (Steve) - Hayden, Peter (Kris) - Cleveland, Ohio; 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren with two on the way; her brother, Larry (Beth) - Louisiana; numerous nieces and nephews; and Carol Dee Edstrom - Hayden.

She is preceded in death by her sister, Beverly Jane Corson - Ohio; her son, Anthony Paul - Idaho and granddaughter Maya Sol - New Mexico.

A heartfelt thanks goes out to Hospice of North Idaho, Dr. Covelli, Dr. Lindblad, and Nurse Sue and Cara Dawn.

Viewing will be held from noon until 2 p.m. with funeral service beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011, at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene Chapel. Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene Chapel, is entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Patsy's online memorial and sign her guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.