Patricia Louise (Paulson) Cronin

Pat “Patty Lou” Cronin, peacefully passed away surrounded by love on her 91st birthday, February 3, 2024, under the passionate care of providers at EvergreenHealth Hospice Care Center in Kirkland, Washington. She is now dancing in the heavenly gardens!

She was born on February 3, 1933, in Great Falls, Montana, to the late Julius Paulson and Lilly (Paulson) Alsaker. Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Cronin, her father Julius Paulson, her mother Lilly Alsaker, her brother Forest Paulson and her companion, Dick Mellis. She lived in many areas surrounding Great Falls, including Raynesford and Belt for 57 years. Wanting to be closer to family she moved to Kirkland, WA in 1990.

Pat was a remarkable woman who had a zest for life that was truly inspiring. She was known for her kind and caring nature, always putting others before herself. Pat had a heart of gold and was a great listener, offering a shoulder to lean on and words of wisdom to those in need. She had a timeless sense of style and was always a classy dresser. Her greatest joy was spending time with her large family, especially having all of her daughters together. Her adventurous spirit took her on many journeys throughout her life, and she embraced every opportunity that came her way...especially a good happy hour! Pat was an energetic woman that could never sit still. Gardening, ballroom/tap dancing,and golfing were some of her favorite activities. She also enjoyed playing games with her friends and family, creating laughter and friendly competition...and sometimes she might have even cheated ;) She loved a good party especially her infamous Super Bowl birthday bashes and it’s no surprise that she chose her birthday to make her grand departure, ensuring it would be a date impossible to forget!

Don and Pat co-owned and operated Don's Twin Freez in Riverview, Great Falls, where they created lasting memories for countless customers. Pat served as a care companion for several local seniors, providing much needed assistance and joy to their lives. Additionally, she worked as a merchandiser for McCormick Spice Company in the Greater Seattle area. Pat's dedication extended beyond her professional life, as she volunteered her time with various organizations. She was an active member of the Altar Society at St. Luke's and St. Joe's Catholic Churches in Great Falls and a member of the Seattle Children's Hospital Guild. Pat also volunteered at the Seattle Children's Thrift Store in Redmond, WA and served many countless hours over 20+ years on the Landscape & Gardening Committee at Springtree Condominiums, where she resided.

Pat was a devoted mother to her 6 daughters: Linda Klein (Sequim, WA), Donna Bureson (Dallas, TX/Phoenix, AZ), Susan Geiger (Kirkland, WA), Julie Parkhurst (Kirkland, WA), Lisa Cronin Mitchell (Las Vegas, NV) and Nena Hartman (Atlanta, GA). She cherished her role as a mother and took great pride in raising her daughters. Pat was also a loving grandmother to 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren which she absolutely adored.

A memorial service to celebrate Pat's life will be held on Sunday, May 12, 2024, at Sunset Hills Memorial in Bellevue, WA. The specific time will be announced closer to the date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Pat's memory to the “Hospice Fund” at EvergreenHealth https://evergreenhealthfoundation.com/donate/

Pat Cronin will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and a zest for life that will continue to inspire generations to come. Pat’s story was one of a life well-lived! “Until we meet again at that great party in the sky”.