Patricia Crocker

Madison - Patricia Lynn (Clark) Crocker died in her sleep July 14 at Sylvan Crossings Assisted Living Facility. A long time Madison resident, she was 82. Pat was born October 17, 1932 in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Her parents, O.R. and Margaret Clark, hailed from West Virginia. Pat attended Bowling Green State University where she was a member of Delta Gamma. After graduating in 1954 with a degree in Education/Speech Pathology, Pat spent the summer at the George Williams College Camp on Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. A fellow camp staffer, Larry Crocker, introduced himself on the lake pier where they fell in love, then married in December 1954. They moved to St. Louis where Larry attended medical school while Pat taught speech therapy in the public schools. Next stop was Oceanside, California where they started their family while Larry served as a Navy doctor at Camp Pendleton. In 1958, Pat and Larry moved to Madison, raising three sons in a rambling, historic house on the Vilas Circle. Over the years, Pat tirelessly decorated and appointed the home into a spectacular showcase filled with antiques and artwork. A gracious hostess, she opened the home to friends, family, artists, musicians, politicians, civic leaders and youth groups.

For several decades Pat served in leadership positions with numerous groups and causes. In 1963 Pat participated in the March on Washington with the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. In the early 1970s Pat ran for 13th Ward alderman. Pat served on the Lake Wingra Community Council, 13th Ward Housing Committee, Madison Historical Preservation Society, the Governor's Commission on General Administration Facility, the Board of Family Service, League of Women Voters, Madison Art League, Randall School PTA, West High boosters, and the Madison Garden Club. Pat attended more church potlucks at the First Baptist Church and more Courts of Honor for Boy Scout Troop 2 than anyone can count.

Pat's love of fine arts included collecting antiques, modern lithographs and Japanese woodblock prints, attending the Madison Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Repertory and the American Players Theater. After son Andrew moved to Paris in 1980, Pat and Larry became avid Francophiles, returning from trips abroad with suitcases bulging with French antiques and sundry
knickknacks. Pat demonstrated her artistic and stylistic flair while working at the Madison Art Center, Chris Kerwin Antiques, and a long, cherished tenure at Orange Tree Imports as a salesperson and as muse to her colleagues. Ultimately Pat became co-owner of Hopkins & Crocker Art & Antiques Gallery on East Johnson Street.

Pat was a loving and supportive wife for 58 years. She taught her three sons independence, tenacity and love of family. Pat was a fairy godmother to her granddaughters and other young women in her orbit. She was a fiercely loyal friend. Those who knew her were the beneficiaries of her generosity, advice, tough love, candid handwritten notes and ornately wrapped gifts. Known for her round red glasses and eye-catching jewelry, Pat emanated style and grace to the very end. Pat is survived by her brother Don Clark (Nancy), her grateful sons Thomas (Carol), Stephen (Shirley), Andrew, and her charming, successful granddaughters (Sarah & Katherine). We truly miss her.

An informal open house will be held in Pat's memory on Sunday, August 2, 2015 from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, Wisconsin.

Should friends desire, contributions may be made in honor of Pat to the Alzheimer's & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin, www.alzwisc.org .

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434