by USTA Communications Department

Patricia (Campbell) Woityra of Churchill, N.Y., which is outside of Rochester, died on Sept. 2 at age 75. She was an avid reader, with a lifelong love for literature, was a beloved high school English teacher at Wheatland-Chili, Churchville Chili, and Greece Olympia and was honored as Rochester News 8 Teacher of the Year in 2000.

Woityra was the first woman elected to the Riga Town Board in 1974 and served again upon her retirement from teaching.

She and her husband William, who predeceased her on July 15, 2016, were married for 45 years and were active participants in harness racing throughout the course of their union. The couple were a familiar presence at Batavia Downs and Buffalo Raceway. The Woityras bred, owned and even trained their own horses. In fact, William purchased champion JL Cruze as a yearling and it was the last horse he owned prior to his death.

Known to those close to her as “Patsy” Woityra is survived by sons, Shane (Ashley) and William (Katherine); sister-in-law, Mae Bartman; nephews, David Bartman, John and Robert Kolbas; nieces, Shelly Bartman and Deborah Watson.

To light a candle of remembrance, visit www.alifecelebrated.com

Upon Woityra’s request, no service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Newman Riga Library.

For more information visit: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/democratandchronicle/obituary.aspx?n=patricia-woityra-campbell&pid=181288611&fhid=13399#sthash.8npiLZWN.dpuf.