Patricia Anne Boyle-McCrossan

Boyle-McCrossan, Patricia Anne
Our beloved Patricia "Patty" Boyle McCrossan, 60, passed away on June 20, 2009 in Phoenix, AZ with her family by her side. Patty was born in Washington D.C. on May 30, 1949 to Edward and Olive (Reed) Boyle but she grew up in Palo Alto, CA. In 1966 Patty's family moved to Phoenix, which became her home for the next 43 years. Patty was an intelligent woman who loved learning and possessed a natural curiosity about life. She earned a paralegal certificate from Phoenix College, a Bachelor in history from NAU, and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from ASU. At the time of her passing she was nearing completion of her second Masters degree, this one in counseling. Patty held many jobs over the years; for over a decade she worked for the State of Arizona. She retired from that position to open an Irish gift shop with her husband, Pat. Most recently, she was an assistant and counselor at Toby House, a home for adults with mental illness. Patty was a very generous woman who loved to laugh, joke, dance, read, debate, cook, and bring people together. She loved her dogs and cats and had many throughout the years. Patty was also compassionate about people and would give her last dollar to someone in need just as she would give her time and energy to the point of exhaustion. With unfailing commitment Patty cared for her mother Olive, who continues to suffer from Alzheimer's. Patty made friends wherever she went by striking up conversations, finding commonalities, or just by being kind; all of these traits came naturally to her. Patty had a great interest in learning about her family's Irish heritage and spent much time researching the lineage. She was also very involved in the local Irish-American community. Patty even found and married an Irishman whom she endearingly called, "My darlin' man from Derry." He was the love of her life. They would have been married 13 years this July 10th. Her father Edward Hugh Boyle, Sr. and brothers; Edward Hugh Boyle, Jr. and Joseph Boyle and sister Anne Gerard Boyle precede Patty in death. She is survived by her mother Olive E. Boyle, her loving husband Patrick McCrossan, daughter Lisa Boyle-Underhill, son (and dancing partner) Nathaniel Boyle-Underhill, brother Dennis Edward Boyle, sisters; Mary Elizabeth Spencer and Kathleen Boyle Magnuson, ex-husband and friend Mark Underhill, and grandchildren; Danielle Underhill and Elena Underhill; step-daughters Shannon and Nora McCrossan. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 from 5-8 with a rosary and time for sharing to begin at 7:00 PM at Hansen Mortuary, 8314 N 7th St. Phoenix, AZ. Mass will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2009, 10:00 AM at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4715 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ. Contributions may be made in memory of Patricia to the Humane Society of Arizona or the American Cancer Society. Patty always found a way to laugh even through the hard times. She is desperately missed by all who knew and loved her. Patrick, your Anam Cara awaits you in heaven.