Patricia Louise Gorder Crandall

Patricia Louise Gorder-Crandall passed on November 28, 2019 at Life Care Center in Longmont. She was born in Longmont on May 31,1928, first child to Dr. Harold A. Gorder and Alice Ruth (Watson) Gorder. Pat is survived by her husband Mark Jefferson Crandall currently residing in San Diego, California. Although they lived apart the last several years of her life, his spirit was always very close. His daily calls and weekly cards kept her encouraged. Her family will forever be so grateful to him. She is survived by her daughters and their families: Lynn and Tom Hamann, Grand Junction, Colorado; Tracy and James Schneider, Longmont, Colorado; Kristi and Ralph King, Spokane, Washington; Lenlee Jenckes, currently residing in Portland, Oregon. Patricia had ten grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.She is preceded in death by her beloved brothers, Dr. Robert L. Gorder and Dr. John W. Gorder, and her cousin, Dr. Don Bresee. She is survived by her sister Sylvia Matson, residing in Springfield, VA. Pat is survived by several cherished cousins: Virginia Ann Sullivan, Steamboat Springs, Colorado; Donna Beth Bresee, Longmont, Colorado; Jackie Gorder, Huntington Beach, California; Karen and Dan Thompson, Santa Rosa, California; Donna Williams, Boulder, Colorado. Patti was a Rainbow Girl in her early years. She grew up in a musically-oriented family and became a talented violinist, brilliant pianist, and gifted vocalist, blessed with a truly beautiful voice. She graduated Longmont High School and attended the University of Colorado, majoring in English with a minor in Philosophy. She was a proud member of the Alpha Phi Sorority. Pat married Stan L. Roberts of Lafayette, and had one child together, Lynn, before they divorced. She moved to West Covina, California, where she met her husband Robert C. Jenckes. They had three children together, Tracy, Kristi and Lenlee. They lived in Wellesley, Massachusetts, New Town, Connecticut, Mountain Brook, Alabama and Metairie, Louisiana, before moving back to Longmont in 1968. They divorced shortly thereafter, and would later in life marry Mark Crandall. Patti was a teacher in Lafayette and in West Covina followed by a career as a medical transcriptionist and Administrative Secretary for IBM. She was of Christian faith, taught Sunday School and enjoyed many different spiritual communities. Pat enjoyed reading a wide variety of literature and was an eloquent and creative writer herself. Other passions included cooking, playing the piano, storytelling, and spending time with friends and family. Patti will be remembered for her great sense of humor regaling her friends and family with stories that kept everyone laughing. Donna Beth, Cousin Her unique sense of adventure, spontaneity, individuality, courage, and zest for life were qualities treasured by all. She made friends everywhere she went, as her genuinely kind spirit was always ready to listen, counsel and help anyone, anytime, be it dear friend or stranger. She was a delightful big personality, a great mom, independent spirit, devoted niece and all-around fun party girl. Karen Thompson, Cousin She was given particularly great care by Claudette Moloney, of Boulder Home Health, whose dementia expertise kept her stimulated to the end. Her spirit soared under her care and the sweet friendship between them will live in our hearts forever. We are so grateful for the staff at Life Care, who cared for her with dignity and love, unfaltering, each and every day. They laughed with her often and went above and beyond every day to ensure her comfort. Their angelic and patient ways will never be forgotten. Her family will celebrate her life at a to be determined date in 2020. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Via Mobility or Meals on Wheels.