Patricia Ann Cropsey

Pat was born on February 22, 1938, in Englewood, New Jersey, to the late Vernon Deacon and Eunice Pool Deacon. She graduated from the University of Vermont with a bachelor’s degree and later worked in the fashion industry.

Pat was married to her beloved husband, James “Jim” Cropsey, for 60 years until his passing in 2023. As the story goes, Pat and Jim met on the ski slopes, beginning a partnership that would span six decades.

Together, Pat and Jim shared a life centered around Cropsey Farm in New City, New York, where they operated the farm, produce center, and garden and landscaping business that became a familiar part of the local community. The farm created jobs, friendships, and memories for generations of local residents, and Pat was very much a part of the life and partnership that made it such a special place.

Pat cared deeply about the history and community of Rockland County. She served as President of the Historical Society of Rockland County and was a member of the American Association of University Women. She had a remarkable memory for people, families, stories, and local history, and understood that preserving history was, above all, about preserving the stories of the people who came before us.

And Pat always wanted to know what was happening at the farm. She wanted to know what was going on, what the plan was, and what needed to be done. She listened, asked questions, paid attention, and had a way of making sure things got done — and got done well.

When they were younger, Pat and Jim loved to travel together and shared many adventures over the years. Pat was also a lifelong lover of dogs, and the Cropsey home was rarely without one. Their current dog, Sammy, now 15 years old, had the run of the house and was a constant companion.

One of Pat’s simple pleasures came every Friday, when flowers from the farm were gathered into a bouquet and brought to her. Whatever happened to be blooming that week found its way into her home, and she proudly showed those flowers to anyone who came through her door. It seems especially fitting that flowers — grown on the land that was such an important part of her life — brought her so much joy.

Pat is survived by her sister Pamela Guevara and husband Manolo; her sister Dorothy Sogn and husband John; and her nieces and nephews Rick Guevara and his wife Laura, Michael Guevara and his wife Dawn, Amanda Knapp and her husband Jason, and Andrew Sogn and his wife Genevieve. She is also survived by her great-nieces and great-nephews Matthew, Jack, Christopher, Deanna, Emma, Owen, Ethan, and Charlotte.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service in New City, New York. Burial will follow immediately after the funeral service at Germonds Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

Flowers may be sent to Michael J. Higgins Funeral Home, 321 South Main Street, New City, New York.