Patricia Ann Young

December 22, 1934-April 12, 2015

Genuine goodness, dignity, compassion, and humor were the hallmarks of Pat’s life journey. She departed for Heaven’s Gate while in the arms of her adoring husband, Bob, as the glow of afternoon sunlight captured their faces in a final farewell. Having the beauty of the Avow Lake outside her window provided a peaceful setting to begin her path in the hands of God.

Pat and Bob’s life together began over fifty years ago, on a spring evening, at Yankee Stadium. They met on an arranged date that didn’t go quite as planned. Pat was with her boyfriend and Bob was invited to escort Pat’s girlfriend. Matters of this kind can go in unexpected ways and at evenings end a match had been made.

The Yankees won, of course, and so began a storybook romance bringing happy times in many places including their beloved Naples.

Never governed by rules, Pat did it her way. Born in Chicago, adopted and baptized in Dade County, Florida and taken to New York City to begin a life filled with adventure and discovery. School, museums, theater, and Manhattan’s night life suited Pat just fine. A lifelong devotion to the world of art also cultivated an interest in poetry producing a treasure chest of her own sense of rhyme and rhythm.

Her school life was an excursion in pursuit of adventure, leaving her mark at the University of Alabama, Cornell, Harvard and finishing with a degree in fine arts from Finch College in New York City.

Discouraged from pursuing a career in the field of entertainment, Pat gravitated to the world of business, on the creative side, finding her niche in sales promotion.

While employed at Tiffany and Company in corporate sales, Pat participated in the development of the first “Super Bowl” trophy. Later in her career, at Warner Communications, now Time Warner, she was the lead hostess and associate director of the Executive Lounge and Boardroom that overlooked Rockefeller Center. Lighting of the Christmas tree provided an annual celebration and a spectacular view, followed by a visit to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Surely an angelic time of year for Pat and Bob.

Reflecting on her life, Pat spread laughter and warmth to everyone she met. Despite the eventual loss of hearing and eyesight, her engaging way brought instant affection. Family and friends referred to Pat as a “hoot” and indeed she was, an endearing soul who spoke her mind and left love, good will, and laughter in her wake.

Funeral arrangements will be private under the direction of Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens. Contributions in her memory can be made to Avow Hospice, 1099 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105 with special thanks to two angels of mercy, Lorri and Mary…special people and a special place.