Pat was a lovely lady who had a kind and generous heart. I will always remember her lovely smile, her gentle spirit, and her deep faith. During the time that I knew her we worked together as volunteers for St John’s cafe and in later years our paths often crossed at church events and prayer labyrinths.
When I first met Pat It was at a time in my life where I needed support and kindness and Pat always asked, with her genuine heart, how I was and what was going on for me, she always knew when I was struggling and she knitted me a prayer shawl, which I still use to this day.
In the weeks of her being very poorly Pat was still showing interest in me and many others and that was just how Pat was! She was such a kind and gentle person.
Pat: thank-you for being there for me when I needed a safe person to be with. I will miss you.
Cara Cramp
I feel very lucky to have had Aunty Pat as my Godmother. She always made us feel at ease and was genuinely interested in what we were doing as we grew up and whenever we met up as adults. She was very easy to talk to with a calm presence. She clearly loved travelling with Uncle John our Godfather. Both Uncle John and Aunty Pat are very much part of our family which my brothers Laurence and Jonathan have already expressed in their messages of condolences.
It is with sadness that she has left us too early but I am relieved that she is no longer suffering. Sending love to Uncle John at this difficult time. Xx
Rebecca Blaxill (Hallam)
I remember, and hold dearly, the excitement and delight myself and my siblings experienced when visiting or being visited by Auntie Patricia and Uncle John. John for his cheerful playfulness, and Patricia for her seemingly endless warmth and kindness.
Many times we would talk and I would feel soothed by her presence. I cherish the time we spent together and the privilege of being supported by such a special, caring and generous soul.
Jonathan Hallam
Dear Pat, it was always good to meet you in church whether providing refreshments or at the mid-week service. I never knew where our 5 or 20 minute conversations would take us but you helped me along on my faith journey. I shall treasure your many observations always given with a smile. Wednesday mornings are not the same without you. Len, thank you for your generosity in lending Pat's time to us all at St Gregs.
Eric Vavasour
As a child, when it was a birthday or Christmas, my siblings and I were extra excited for presents from our Godparents. It was like they had some kind of access to an esoteric hidden hoard of 1980s resources unavailable to others. To this day, I still have sitting on my bookshelf the Usborne Book of Jokes & Tricks and The Animal Book of Records (although this might not be wholly accurate 40 odd years later).
I was aware my Aunty Patricia was not a blood relative, and I think that made it more special. I remember learning that you could have friends as family back then and thinking about how choosing to do that must be something different to the ones you're born with.
Patricia was always so kind and interested in us, she was an incredibly special lady. I wish I had been able to say this more, but I do remember telling her what the childhood presents meant to me. More than just material objects, a connection to understanding what made us tick.
Laurence Hallam
I worked alongside Pat during her years at Water Leys.
She was always so willing to share her skills and expertise, and she made a real difference to the lives of the children she supported.
Her friendship and sense of fun were much appreciated by all who knew her.
Liz Schaaf
Pat was a dear friend and will be greatly missed. We worked together in the early 80s, always exchanged yearly greetings cards and then re connected a few years later. Since then we have enjoyed each other's company regularly, sharing many stories and much laughter. Pat was such a wise, kind, supportive and lovely, dear friend to have. Rest in peace lovely lady. X
Janice Abbott
Dearest Patricia,
I am truly blessed that you chose to be my friend and to share your time and energy with me; even during the final days. I hope I helped you on your way somehow - both in life and in facing death into eternal life. 🤍
I am so grateful that the gift of you entered my life. Your colourful light still dances into my heart when I recall moments shared together.
As I try to adjust to a world without you, may your continued prayers be like a balm to me; and may my prayers reach you with love.
Thank you, and thank you again dear friend, for a beautiful journey 🙏🏻
💕🧡💚💛❤️💙💜💕
Aura Sallow
Pat was such a lovely lady. My husband John and I last saw her in May for a retirees lunch. She had already received her cancer diagnosis and was still enjoying her life, not allowing the knowledge to change her positive outlook. She told us of her dalliance with ballet with the Silver Swans, a lifetime ambition of hers. Also her love of wearing pink, which made her feel pretty when she first wore it as a little girl. I will miss her warm smile and our conversations, both serious at times and also more jovial. We often had a good giggle. Such a very sad loss to those of us who loved her company. Rest in peace lovely lady xx
Emma Kimberley-Jones and John Jones
Sending our deepest condolences to Len. Patrica had a such a warm smile, caring heart and always made me feel welcome in her home. Rest in peace. From Deb and family
Deb Dolman
‘People walk in and out of your life but only true friends leave footprints on your heart’. Pat has left her footprints on mine. I will always remember her lovely smile, her gracious spirit, and her deep faith. During her last few weeks she always asked, with a genuine interest, how I was and what was happening in my life. I admire the courage and deep sense of peace she showed during those weeks. Pat: thank-you for being a true friend. I will miss you. PS- don’t forget you promised to save me a seat!
Heather Vernon
Pat was my lovely neighbour for 14 years whilst living in York Close. So friendly, welcoming and very supportive during one of my most difficult times. Your lovely smile I will always remember. Rest in peace beautiful lady xx
Gail Haynes
