Close Companion Remembers Life of Bridge St. Accident Victim

Patricia Handler, Patty to those who knew her well, was a kindred spirit to her boyfriend and companion, Ken York.

York was dealing with the loss of the woman who meant a great deal to him Friday morning. He was at his residence, an apartment in the Maple Court senior housing facility on Bridge Street. Handler, who was fatally struck by a car Thursday evening only feet from Maple Court, lived in one of the facility’s apartments as well.

“She was a beautiful soul,” York said, with emotions on his face and in his voice. “I just can’t believe I won’t see her anymore.”

Ken York and Steve York, Ken’s brother, both spoke of Patty Handler’s life with affection. They pointed to her positive attitude, giving nature and friendly disposition.

“She’d do anything for anybody,” Ken York said. “She was very giving.”

Handler’s strong work ethic was another quality York made sure to emphasize.

“She was a hard worker in her day,” he said.

Handler, a native of North Adams, MA, had occupations ranging from involvement in a toy business in Simsbury to the restoration and operation of a farm in Georgia with her husband, who died of cancer during the course of that effort.

Hard work wasn’t the only thing that mattered to Handler. York shared a phrase that Handler was fond of and often said to him: “Money doesn’t matter, nothing else matters if you have someone who loves you.”

York spoke of the time he and Handler spent together, where a typical day had him waking Handler up and cooking her breakfast. York cooked most of their meals and was happy to do it.

“We just stayed together,” he said.

The pair enjoyed each other’s company as they talked, watched TV and took walks to places in town like Highland Park Market. Kent Memorial Library was a particular favorite of Handler’s.

York closed by profoundly expressing both his love for Handler and his sense of loss.

“She’s probably a shining angel in heaven,” York said. “She sure deserves that.”