Patricia Dunn Crosby

Patricia Dunn Crosby passed away peacefully at her home with loved ones on August 22, 2021 at the age of 94. Pat was a true native New Orleanian, tracing her family’s French ancestry back to their arrival in New Orleans in 1723. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas L. Crosby, her son, Christopher J. Crosby and her parents, Edward and Helen Klein Dunn. She is survived by her children, Patty Smith (Sid), Tom Crosby (Carolyn), Emily Alldredge (Rufus), Helen Gibert (Brooks), Howell Crosby (Katie), MissE Newton (Gene), Mary Whealdon (Michael), daughter in law Leslie Phillips Crosby as well as 17 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Pat grew up in New Orleans and the Dominican Republic where she learned at an early age to speak Spanish which in her later years mutated to a form of Spanglish spoken with an Italian flair and occasional hand gesture. She attended St. Mary of the Pines in Chatawa, Mississippi as a young girl and received her Bachelor of Arts and Master Degree in Art History from Newcomb College. Pat enjoyed traveling with her husband Tom, a love her children attribute to her early career as a flight attendant on international flights to South America for the Chicago & Southern Airline in the years prior its merger with Delta Airlines. Pat loved gardening and was especially proud of her rose garden in Picayune. She often cut roses early in the morning to give to her 8 children to bring to their teachers at school. Her children and grandchildren also benefited from her passion for quilting and needlepoint, with Pat lovingly gifting her pieces to them after personalizing each with her embroidery. What Pat most enjoyed though was simply entertaining at home with her friends, children and her children’s friends. Her dinner table was so welcoming to others that Tom would often times look over the seemingly multitudes sitting there, point a finger and curiously ask “are you one of mine?” Pat served on the boards of the Crosby Arboretum and the Margaret Reed Crosby Library. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Colonial Dames.

The family would like to sincerely thank her dedicated caregivers: Gail Watkins, Idell Feazell, Reesha Wells, Carol Jackson, Carol Rattigan & Barbara Williams.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Notre Dame Hospice, 1000 Howard Ave., 10th Floor, New Orleans, Louisiana 70113, or to the charity of your choice.

Due to Covid-19 concerns a private family service was held on August 25, 2021.

The family invites you to express your fond thoughts, memories and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com