Patsy Sue Crawley (nee Aycock) b. January 25, 1930 - d. January 16, 2021
Patsy (Pat) was Born in Commerce, Texas to Marjorie Floyce (Williams) and Herman Ray Aycock on January 25, 1930. She passed away peacefully (nine days shy of her ninety-first birthday) on January 16, 2021 with family by her side. Pat was a devoted wife to Michael Edward Crawley, Sr. (“Eddie/ Mike”) (d) and loving mother to five children: Michael Crawley, Jr. (d) (Judith), Daniel Crawley (JoAnn), Chrissy Newman (Joe), Kathy Gaylord (Joe), and Patrick Crawley (d) (Corinne). Beloved grandmother to 11 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. Pat was a resilient, brave and graceful woman -- tempered by a life of ups and downs, good times and otherwise. As a child born at the onset of The Great Depression, Patsy was cared and nurtured by her large extended family. As a young teen she moved to Long Beach, California, with her mother and step-father.
In 1946 she met her best friend’s (“Lucielle”) brother “Eddie”, fresh out of the U.S. Navy—they fell in love, married in 1947 and lovingly raised their family. Through many challenges, Pat stood tall and worked hard to improve the world. She was compassionate toward the less fortunate, and always ready to “step up” and help when she saw need and opportunity to make positive change in the world. During the Viet Nam War she became a licensed vocational nurse for the Veterans Administration and cared for injured soldiers. She also worked with developmentally disabled children, and found great satisfaction helping this vulnerable population. For most of their 67-year marriage, Pat worked side-by-side with Eddie as devoted parents and entrepreneurial business owners. First as restaurant owners, next to real estate development and restoration of historic buildings throughout the West. Among many endeavors of which they were most proud was their success in renovating sub-standard buildings and as property owners/ managers -- providing safe, secure and affordable housing for hundreds of disadvantaged families for many years. Post “retirement” Pat and Eddie explored the joys of rural life, with ranch homes in Placerville and a farm and almond orchard Chico, California. Pat lived a full, adventurous life of nine decades, and leaves a legacy of honesty, love and compassion for all who had the good fortune of knowing her. Her fun, adventurous spirit, inherent respect and authentic concern for others was foundational to how she conducted her daily life and relationships: she was forever generous, helpful and always ready to listen with patience and unique wisdom. Providing a warm, nurturing home for her family was paramount to Pat, and her family enjoyed the love and comfort she indulged upon them. As Pat aged and needed more assistance, she had the opportunity to get to know many like-minded friends and caregivers at Friends House and Arbol Residences of Santa Rosa. The compassion and care demonstrated by her nurses and caregivers brought solace and appreciation for the beauty and power of the Human Spirit.
With gratitude the family thanks the staff, the excellent caregivers and wonderful nurses at Arbol Residences of Santa Rosa, her dear Dr. Matalon, and the attentive care by Memorial Hospice staff -- especially Pat’s nurse, Alexis, during her last chapter of life. Pat, Thank you for the many ways you helped to make our world a better place. We love you and will always hold you dear in our hearts. May you rest easy in grace and love. A private graveside memorial service for Pat will take place at Calvary Catholic Cemetery this Spring.
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