A bitter family feud erupted over PATRICK SWAYZE‘s fortune!
Patrick Swayze’s widow Lisa Niemi has turned her back on her deceased husband’s family, say sources close to the family.
Since the beloved actor’s death from pancreatic cancer in September 2009, Lisa has seen his mother only once – for a televised cancer fundraiser this fall.
As Lisa, 54, becomes more involved in her role as a cancer activist, she has pushed Patrick’s family members out of her life, a family friend tells The ENQUIRER.
"It’s admirable that Lisa is passionate about cancer awareness," the friend continued. "She watched her husband fight to stay alive while he was in constant pain, and it tore her up – she doesn’t want that to happen to anyone else.
"But it seems her relationship with the Swayze family died with Patrick."
Lisa does financially support Patsy, 83, with the same monthly allowance that Patrick had sent to her for years, and Patsy and Patrick’s brother Sean still live in a Simi Valley, Calif., home that belonged to Patrick. Lisa currently owns the property.
As The ENQUIRER reported in July, a bitter family feud had erupted over Patrick’s fortune. Lisa inherited everything after his death, and the rest of his family felt she wasn’t as generous as they had hoped she’d be. The bad feelings escalated in August when Lisa told Patrick’s brothers that she wanted to move Patsy into an assisted-living facility.
Sean, 48, was worried that if Patsy went to a home, Lisa would sell the house and he’d be out on the street.
According to the source, Lisa is trying to honor Patrick’s wishes and at the same time move forward with her life.
"Patrick’s family has come apart at the seams since his death," continued the friend. "They feel Lisa has completely turned her back on them.
"Patsy keeps saying she is just ‘sitting around waiting to die’ – and it breaks her heart because Lisa never calls or visits.
"Patrick and Lisa never had children, so Patsy’s only direct connection to a large part of her son’s life is Lisa. There are times Patsy would like to talk to Lisa about Patrick – but Lisa’s not there for her."
On Sept. 10, Lisa brought Patsy to a Stand Up To Cancer event in Los Angeles, but in the last year, she has seldom seen Patrick’s brothers Don or Sean.
"Patrick was always the one who made sure everyone was OK, but now that he’s gone, the family feels lost," added the friend.
