Sadly, Patricia Ann Clarke passed on at 9.00am Monday, April 4th, 2022. It was a peaceful ending with her husband Peter by her side. Sat on the sofa in her beloved Warm Beach home, planning on doing the daily chores, she succumbed to the lack of life’s breath. It was time to let go, as she had plans for the after life and to meet up once again with her deceased parents William Cook and Edna Welburn.

Pat, or as many preferred the stately Patricia, leaves behind Peter, or as many preferred Pete, her husband of 67years. Together they enjoyed everything that life offers. After 4 years of courtship, they were 15 years old when they met, they were married June 18th 1955, in the parish Episcopalian church of Fleetwood, England. A small affair with just 25 people after which they sailed away for their honeymoon in the Isle of Mann.

Thus began a love affair, a business partnership and an epic journey of two adventurers. Living with Pete’s mother, the much beloved “nana” Lillian Cole, Pat quickly learned all the fine arts of homemaking. It was not long however, before employment opportunity of her husband, found Pat in a very different place than where she had grown up. It was London. A huge metropolis of people and traffic that she had never before seen. Pat had to learn and adapt very quickly or be devoured by very aggressive Londoners. Pat found employment in a lingerie shop called ETAM, an abbreviation for “everything to attract a man” perhaps not too acceptable in todays world. She fought and won the battle with jostling commuters boarding and alighting commuter buses and subways.

With employment progress it was possible to buy a “maisonette” a kind of fourplex, outside of London near the Heathrow airport. Here in Harlington cottage hospital Pat gave birth on April 15th 1959 to her first son Howard. After three and a half years and a move to a larger semi detached home, Pat gave birth to her second son Graham, at home with the services of a mid wife.

This was Pat’s life in England, but another journey laid ahead, the USA. In late 1963 plans were made to seek an even better life blessed with sunshine. Pat with a 4year old and an18month old baby in a carry cot, climbed aboard a Pan-American jet aircraft with “true grit” worthy of the Pioneer women of old. It was the first time that she had ever been in an airplane. Destined for Los Angeles and sunshine.

After a few months living in an apartment in Pasadena, her husband gaining employment and with the last of dollar savings, enough was scraped together to buy a house in Tarzana. Not well known, but here Pat was a member of the PTA and awarded the “most improved player” at the local bowling alley.

Employment promotion after 3/4 years resulted in a move to the San Francisco Bay Area. First rented a house on Mt. Tioga Way in Terra Linda, followed by a house on PennyRoyal Lane. After 2 years of renting it was time to buy a home.

For the next 31 years a 1922 character home on Marine Drive San Rafael was home to the Clarke Family. Here Pat’s two sons grew up, epic journeys to foreign countries were made, new activities were learned and Pat blossomed into the Leading Lady. She learned to water ski, snow ski, the art of macrame and stained glass and so much more. This creativity led to the opening of Northern Lights, a fine art, limited edition gift store. Located on fourth street San Rafael, it was Pat’s second home for over 20 years. She was the heart of the business, always a trend setter and astute business acumen. Even expanded to a second store on Pier 39 San Francisco for 4 years. All this was accomplished whilst still being a mother, a wife and a homemaker.

Eventually retirement came, selling off the store and home. A move to Lake Wildwood in Nevada county foothills was a quiet interlude of 9 years. However, it was decided to move to Seattle to be closer to family and strangely to avoid constant sunshine with heat. Apartment living seemed to be choice, but after 7years it was time to buy a home again.

Once more Pat found a home that she really loved. She continued to be very house proud and tended to a very large collection of potted flowers on the deck. Here she peacefully died, knowing that everyone around her, loved her, respected and admired her. She has found peace in the arms of her maker. 

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