Patricia Cerruto

Pat was the much-loved and adored mother of Joey (Lynethe) Cerruto, Richard (Izumi) Cerruto, Wendy (Joe) Fallon, Michele (Jim) Conaghan and Patricia (Jeff) Darbaker and grandmother of Brianna, Katie, Courtney, Avery, Callum, Carina, Kenta, Kota, Valerie, Alice, Lucy, Daphne and Flora. Pat was also cherished by her nieces and nephews, former in-laws and former husband Joseph. She is survived by her siblings, Jean, Brenda, Dennis and Thomas and has joined in rest her parents, sisters Audrey, Mabel and Doreen, cousin James, and dogs Heidi, Joy, Leo and Daisy Mae.

Born in Oldham, England, Pat was the second of eight children born to Mary Whiteley Carroll and Thomas Carroll, both of England. She was raised in Oldham and per the custom of the time, left school at the age of 15 to work and assist her family with her wages. She worked several jobs after exiting school including sewing baby bibs in a factory. Growing up, she enjoyed going to the beach, riding a bike and roller skating and was crowned Queen of the Rose Parade, complete with a crown and court.

Patricia came to the United States for the first time in 1950 when she was 11, aboard the Britannic, traveling from Liverpool to the port of New York. Her children enjoyed the story how her father, a painter and wallpaper hanger, earned enough money to bring the entire family to the United States where they stayed with his sister Delia, only to discover they missed England. Her father sent the family back to Oldham in pairs, as he earned the money for their passage. She returned to the Unites States by herself at the age of 19 and soon after met her future husband Joseph after being introduced by his sister Benita.

Family and tradition were the most important to Pat and she raised her children to value the same. Holidays at the Cerruto household were always filled with good food, family and friends and Pat always managed to put a creative homemade spin on everything. From Christmas Eve quiche, cookies and visits from Santa, green bread and pizza on St. Patrick’s Day and homemade Easter chocolates and birthday cakes, she managed to make holidays special. Her children treasured the traditions and songs Pat brought from England, including Christmas Crackers, and they continue with her grandchildren today. Mom's favorite color was blue, and her favorite drink was of course, hot tea with milk. They were both well represented in her daily life.

Pat was a homemaker while her children were growing up and was a talented seamstress making clothes for herself and her kids as well being involved in the PTA and leading her daughter's 4-H group. Invitations to the Cerruto home on Friday evenings were coveted as Pat served her homemade pizza to the kids and their friends.

Although Pat did not have the benefits of a formal education, she had several careers after her children were raised, including working as a phlebotomist for the Red Cross and at Swezey's department store on Long Island.

Pat eventually moved to Florida, attracted by the proximity to her siblings and the warmer weather. She embraced Florida living, including driving a golf cart, line dancing, avoidance of cold weather, and was active in her church. Pat eventually moved to Sugarland, Texas to live closer to family and remained there for her final years.

Pat spent several years living with Alzheimer's disease. Throughout that time, she remained full of life, laughter and love. She truly passed along happiness to whoever crossed her path and it was impossible not to feel better or brighter when you saw her. She continued singing her English songs with her children including "We Come a Cob-Coaling" and telling everyone how much she loved them as long as she was able. " I Love You A Bushel and A Peck and A Hug Around the Neck" became mom's catchphrase and words we will always cherish.

Whatever she was called - Mom, Mama, Mamacita, Om, Grammy, Pat, Patricia, Miss Pat, she was the most loving and amazing mother and grandmother. She will be incredibly missed by everyone who knew her and we are comforted knowing she has joined her beloved Jesus.

Tara sweet Mama...