Patricia Anne Ellison

She was born in Bellevue, PA to her loving parents, James R. Cray and Clara (Schlegel) Cray on December 1, 1925.

Patricia attended Pittsburgh area schools, graduating from Bellevue High School and Duquesne University with a degree in Nursing. She started her Nursing career at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh as a Labor and Delivery Nurse, taking the streetcar from her home in Bellevue. Shortly after starting her career, she met Richard Ellison and they were married on July 15, 1950. They shared 69 years together and were blessed with three children – Janet Marie Marchetti (John deceased), Richard Geyer Ellison (Kelli) and Martha Ann Gibson (Dave) and five grandchildren. Richard passed away in late 2019.

Patricia raised her three children in Berwyn and was active in multiple St. Monica’s School and Church activities, including as a Sunday school teacher, church theatre and as a Eucharistic Minister. She also took great pride in being a Tour Guide for Philadelphia historical sites, Valley Forge and other area sites of interest. She would often arrive home after a long day of touring in her Betsy Ross outfit. She became somewhat of an expert on Ben Franklin and the Declaration of Independence.

In later years, Patricia traveled extensively with her husband, visiting six continents. They often enjoyed looking through the many photo albums of their trips with friends. Patricia and Richard spent the last 10 years living in the Shannondell community in Audubon, PA where they formed great friendships and participated in many fun activities.

Patricia will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Her always positive outlook, wonderful sense of humor and interest in people touched so many during her lifetime.