It is so hard to think that 15 cents could change a life, but that is exactly what happened in 1972 when my sister, Patricia Fairbanks, was short 15 cents for a purchase and headed back to the drugstore only a block and a half from our home to give the pharmacist that 15 cents.

She never got there, and 31 days later her body was found with the 15 cents that must have fallen out of her pocket.

The murder of a family member or loved one is earth-shattering. Murder is not a normal occurrence. There are so many mixed feelings: shock, anger, depression, and more, that create deeply rooted emotional wounds.

For 51 years, I have been waiting and hoping for some resolution and justice for Patty. I have never forgotten her, and while we had many wonderful memories together, I still grieve. I still cry unexpectedly, but I never gave up hope.

Finally, there is a person of interest and my family and I are getting long-deserved answers. This would not have been possible without endless hours of hard work, diligence and caring on the part of many involved. Thank you for not giving up. Thank you with all my heart.

I am eternally grateful to the following people: Sheriff Quattrone, investigator Sara Rosario, investigator Mark Baglia, Jamestown Police Det. Craig Damon and Jamestown Police Det. Courtney Schauman.

Chautauqua County cold case investigators Tom Tarpley and Tom Di Zinno have been wonderful to work with and have done so well with keeping me updated on any new information. I am forever beholden to you.

Amanda Skinner, thank you for introducing me to Merry Williams-Diers and being there for me. I owe so much to Merry for her efforts to keep Patricia’s name alive, and she has been right there to support me along the way. God sent this angel into my life.

I also want to thank my children, Chad Wakeley and Tiffany Wakeley Heintzman, and their spouses, Mark and Kristine, for their love and support. My grandchildren, Maddie, Ryan, Eden and Everly; their hugs have gotten me through so many low moods.

I could not have gotten through this without any of you, and know your love will continue as law enforcement goes through the next phases of Patty’s case.

There are several local families who also hope for justice and deserve answers for their loved one’s cold cases. God Bless you. Don’t give up hope.

All the right people are doing the right things and you may get some resolution as well.

For everyone else, love and appreciate your family and friends. Let them know it. You never know how an instant or something as small as 15 cents could change everything.

Pamela Fairbanks Wakeley

Jamestown