Patricia "Pat" Barron

Patricia "Pat" Barron, 74, of Lancaster, entered into eternal rest on September 23, 2010 at the Essa Flory Hospice Center, Lancaster. She was the wife of the late Richard E. "Dick" Barron who died in 2001. Born in Coatesville, PA, Pat was the daughter of the late William Theodore and Dorothy Cromleigh. She was a 1954 graduate of Parkesburg High School and a 1957 graduate of Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, Darby, PA. Pat was an Operating Room nurse for close to 50 years, having worked at Coatesville Hospital, Brandywine Hospital and Ephrata Community Hospital. She retired as the OR Supervisor at Ephrata Community Hospital in 2006. Pat was a well-respected leader by all the nurses and doctors she worked with over the years and formed lifelong friendships with many. Pat will be lovingly missed by everyone who knew her, but especially by her three sons, Rick Barron, husband of Sandi, of Phoenixville, PA, Mark Barron, husband of Vickie, of Millersville, PA and Shawn Barron, of Lancaster, PA and his partner, Scott Gradwell of Fogelsville, PA. As mother and mother-in-law, Pat was a guiding force in her children's lives. She is also leaving behind six beautiful grandchildren, Elli, Wade, Rachel, Andrew, Tre and Patrick, who will never forget their beloved "Pat-Pat" for her over-the-top Christmas celebrations, her love of anything chocolate, and her tradition of Barron family vacations at the beach. Pat is also survived by two older brothers, William Theodore "Ted" Cromleigh of Cornwall, PA and Gene "Pete" Cromleigh of Christiana, PA. Pat was a devout Catholic and an active member of St. Mary's Church in Lancaster where she helped serve community meals. She was also a volunteer at Hospice of Lancaster County and an usher at The Fulton Theater. She continued to use her nursing skills even in retirement, working as a Visiting Angel and a volunteer at Ephrata Community Hospital. Pat had a wide circle of dear friends with whom she enjoyed traveling, dining out, playing Bridge, and, most importantly, shopping. Many of Pat's friendships spanned decades, while others were new found friends in retirement. These bonds of friendship were stronger than ever as she faced her biggest challenge, as evidenced by the never-ending stream of visitors and greeting cards during her illness. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 2, 2010 at St. Mary's Church, 119 S. Prince Street, Lancaster, PA at 11:00 am. Pat's family will greet friends at the Church from 9:00 am until the time of Mass. Interment will take place at St. Joseph's New Catholic Cemetery, Charles Road, Lancaster, immediately following Mass. Memorial contributions in Pat's name can be sent to Ephrata Community Hospital, 169 Martin Avenue, PO Box 1002, Ephrata PA 17522 and Hospice of Lancaster County, 685 Good Drive, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17608-4125.

Patricia "Pat" Barron

September 30, 2010