Patricia Crowley Obituary

Only good memories of this awesome, caring woman.
We are very grateful for the welcoming support you gave us when we lived in Chicago.
Rogério and Maria Isabel Xavier

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. She started a homeless shelter and gave to those in need. God bless you, Patty.

I am one of the army of people who was inspired over decades by the courage, eloquence and moral witness of Patty Crowley. Back in the 1980's I interviewed Patty for an article I was writing on personal ministry to the homeless. She was gracious, generous with her time and very eloquent. I was shaking in my shoes: INTERVIEWING SUCH AN AMAZING WOMAN, who had always stood her ground with the hierarchy, with the policies of the U.S. government and with local agencies and officials who didn't acknowledge the needs of the homeless. After the interview, I changed travel agencies so I could give Space Travel my business, and I referred others to Space as well. In the summer of 1999 I was luck enough to attend a gathering in her apartment, to view a documentary made for British television about the Birth Control Commission. Patty was a gracious host and outspoken in her commentary after we saw the video. She was an inspiration to so many of us, and she did her work for prophetic justice in a kind, compassionate way. She was (and continues to be) the best of what it means to be Catholic. Bravo, dear one. May we meet again at the heavenly banquet. We'll let you hire the caterer.

I will never forget the experience of going to Patty Crowley's home, looking at her pictures, listening to her stories, and participating in a home mass while we were there. We were so blessed to sit at her feet and listen. She is an extraordinary woman, and I concur with those who say we have a new angel to pray to now.

I just got to the obituary section in last Sunday's Chicago Tribune and noted that Mrs. Patricia Crowley (92) died November, 23, 2005.



Though I never met her, I am always in her debt.



First, for her outstanding work through the years in the causes of women, Catholics, and families. She was a pioneer, co-founding the Christian Family Movement and representing Americans on the Vatican II Commission on Artificial Means of Birth Control. I've read that she was a modest person; perhaps this contributed to her not being as well known as one would have thought should be the case. Humanae Vita marginalized many Catholic social activists of her generation but she never stopped caring, even after the death of her dear husband. Second, she was kind enough to allow me access to her/their papers at Notre Dame's Library. That work led to (1) the best academic work I've ever done (2) an intellectual curiosity I've not felt over other topics/issues (3) a couple of published articles that helped me (a) earn tenure and promotion and (b) land the gig editing the Journal of Communication and Religion for 6 years. I am forever grateful to Mrs. Crowley and I will always pray for her soul.

Dear Crowley Family,



My parents, Charles and Blanche Cannon, lived a few blocks from the Crowleys in St. Joseph's Parish, and Charles and his second wife Helen were neighbors at the Hancock and nearby for many years. In fact, Helen and Patty were members of the same book club which, led by Patty, came in a band like the Altar Societies of old to Helen's funeral at Holy Name some years ago.



But most important was the Crowley presence in so many lives through CFM, through the Vatican Council (what it did and did not do), and through holding staunchly to principle but always with deep understanding of the personal.



Her legacy will continue!

Dear Family of Patty,

For years, I have looked to your Patty as a model for what it means to be a Vatican II woman. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to express my appreciation for her. The world will miss her. Now, I am sure she will continue to work for peace.With love,

Mary ELizabeth CLark, SSJ

Your leadership and inspiration to Call To Action will be missed. Thank you.

Sincere condolences to the family of a true Christian and example of saintliness...a model which we hope to emulate. Love & prayers, Shirley Tung

I first learned of Patty Crowley when I was on the staff of the National Assembly of Religious Women in 1973-75. Catherine Pinkerton, CSJ, then Chair of NARW, participated in the "Call to Action" conference in Detroit and I remember how exciting it was to prepare for that event. Thankfully, CTA has continued that effort and I have been glad to see Patty at those conferences over the years. Thanks to her family for sharing a wise woman with all of us.

Patty Crowley was one of those persons who is living proof that there must truly be a God and an afterlife. What sense would the universe make if its ultimate source of energy were not personal enough to love Patty as much as all of her family and friends do, and if it allowed death to be the final conqueror of one of its finest products? I look forward to seeing Patty again in the next life when she will have back the full strength and vigor of her younger days. She must really have been a dynamo then because she was in her older, more frail years when I knew her, even from her wheelchair at recent Call to Action meetings. My condolences to Patty's family for the loss of her visible presence among us.

To the Crowley family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this time of grieving. Although Mrs. Crowley may not have remembered us, we truly have felt gifted by her spiritual presence and her love for the Catholic Church. We specifically remember three years ago at Call to Action we had brought our new daughter with us to the numerous sessions, as our son participted in the children's program. Mrs. Crowley reached out and touched Maura with all the love and devotion of a person who sees the glory of God in all life. We looked for Mrs. Crowley each year at the conference after that and missed her this year.

May you know that her spirit and love of God will be continued by those of us involved in Call to Action. May she enjoy the dance of God always!



Peace,

Bridget Kramer, Alan Tarnowski, adn Maura and Conor

I have always admired Patty Crowly from my days in junior high school 1950-52 when my parents joined a Christian Family Movement group. while I disliked having to baby sit my younger siblings (four at the time) I always knew it was worth it when Mom and Dad came home refreshed and renewed.

Thank you seems so unsatisfactory! You have shown us all that having a voice in the Church helps us all become mature and healthy. You have helped us all know that unless we have a voice, driven by conscience, we are not living our faith but merely existing in it. Thank you. Janet W. Hauter

My sincere sympathy and appreciation to the family.

I remember an earlier CTA Conf, walking from one workshop to the next, with Pat and Patty. You were as interested in my impression, input and involvement (a stranger) as a friend. I asked your name (dah!) and later found out you were the heart beat of the organization. I give thanks for your life.

Patricia Crowley was a woman of

great faith and courage and a witness to what vision and a clear

mind and heart can do to bring

truth to life and change to outmoded

ways of clinging to "safety and the

status quo." I am grateful for her life among us and I remember fondly meeting her. To you, her family, I thank you for sharing your mother

with us--the people of God!

This June, Patty, I got to visit you in your home way up in the Chicago skies. I came with Katy Scott, who brought you the Eucharist every Tuesday morning. We prayed together. I walked around your apartment and recognized the pictures on the walls -- so many relating to your love of our Church community and your work for justice for women in our church. I have no doubt that you will continue to inspire us...Thank you dear sister in faith.

To the Crowley and Caron families, I extend deepest sympathy. Pat was a great gift to the Church, and now God has called her home. May she enjoy eternal rest and may you all be consoled.

Peace and love!

I had the joy of knowing Patty and Pat since the late 1960s. Both have returned to each other, leaving us to give thanks for their big, bold contributions to keeping our church alive.

I regret never having had the good

fortune of knowing Pat Crowley or her

devoted late husband. But, we did

unknowingly share a mutual love of

and concern for The Future of The

Catholic Church in America and

Universally. Together, WE answered

'The Call to Action', offering of

ourselves for the betterment of the

Holy Assembly. In the process, WE

were made 'Whole'in Christ Jesus!

Now, Pat has been recalled to Her

Heavenly Home and Eternal Reward,

while WE remain to carry on 'The

Good Fight' until the Day when WE

shall hopefully rejoin Her in God's

Glorious Kingdom. To Her Extended

Beloved Family, I send My Fondest

Best Wishes of Peace and Affection.

WE have NOT Lost a Loved One/Friend.

WE have Gained A Guardian Angel.

Guide and Help US, Dear Pat, as WE

Continue to Further The Noble Work

YOU Undertook Here Below!

Her courage, gentleness and common sense have made her a source of inspiration for so many people. I am thankful for having had the chance to meet her.

Patty,

Thank you for showing us how to be faithful Catholics who aren't afraid to shake things up. You showed us how to follow the Gospel with joy.

Patty,

We are writing this as a prayer because We know you are breathing God's breath right now and bathing in Her smile. Thank you and Pat for your courage, persistance and efforts in starting and maintaining CFM. Thanks to you and Pat for your efforts on the Vatican Birth Control Commission. Thanks for speaking truth to power and never backing down no matter what criticism you received. Thank you for welcoming all the poor, weak, discouraged, and frustrated to your door. Thanks for your encouragement to all the folks at Call-To-Action and your faithful presence and support over the years. You were and are a wonderful role model for all of us in the Church. Rest forever in the loving arms of God.

Dave and Barb Corcoran

ps. Don't be surprised if we call on you many times in the days to come for your advice and strength.

Patty Crowley was a genuine heroine. By reason of her honesty, courage, forthrightness and righteousness, we are all in her debt.

Patty was our neighbor in the John Hancock building. When she was burned out of her apartment she stayed with us for a few days. She returned the favor many times over after we moved from Chicago. Patty was an inspiration and a dear friend. Margaret and Bill Fissinger

If God is half as hospitable with you, Patty, as you were with us (and so many countless others), then you will be so well received into the Presence of the Creator. Thanks so very much for all that you have done and meant. Pray for us.

I had the great good fortune of speaking to Patty at CTA over a number of years. I was in awe of her. She was truly a change agent for our church.

Journey & Koinonia Catholic Community, intentional eucharistic community in Portland, prays in gratitude for the generosity and example of Patty's life.

For all you have done for the people of God, Not only for CFM, but for your example to us. You have been a true hero.

Dear Patty,



You invited my family to your home and opened many hearts to the beauty within our Catholic Church. Thank you Patty.



with love,



Mauro Pineda

I met Patty during the mid-nineties at a Call to Action meeting, and read the book by Pat McGrory about the Papal Birth Control Commission. I was so impressed by her vitality and sense of joy. Her generosity of spirit and willingness to address injustice no matter the cost is a source of great inspiration. May St. Patty smile down on us all; we'll need her help.

Rogerio and Maria Isabel from Porto Alegre, Brazil,we will always remember and miss you for the wonderful person you were.

Patty Crowley taught us the full meaning of Matthew 25: unconditional love, insistance on truth and plain old hard work. Her life is sacrament to all of us.

I was a guest at several of the New Year's Day parties hosted by Patty Crowley in her 88th floor apartment in the Hancock Building. WOW -- what a view of the lakefront, and of Lake Shore Drive from her apartment!

But more important than the view was the person who hosted those marvelous gatherings! Patty was advanced in years when I met her in the late 1990's, but was still very much "au courant" in both her interests and her conversation.

I am going to go out on a limb here and say that, in my book, Patty Crowley and her late husband Patrick Crowley are a wonderful example of sanctity as developed within the Sacrament of Marriage.

I hereby name them "Saints for our Time" -- here is my prayer to them:



Blessed Patrick and Blessed Patty Crowley -- Look down on us who still toil in the vineyards of the Catholic church reform and social justice movments. Give us strength to continue the work that you began so many years ago. Shine on, our STARS in heaven! Amen.

God will continue to look after her. Patricia Crowley is a great humanitarian. Chicago and the rest of the world will miss her dearly.

Pattie has the joy of being reunioted with Pat. CTA has the pleasure of recalling all the wonderful appperances of Pattie.

I'd heard so much about Patty Crowley and finally had the pleasure of meeting her a couple years ago at a CTA meeting. I was so impressed by her gracious presence and obvious love for the Church reform groups and the Women's Ordination Conference. She had a lovely friendliness, sparkling eyes, and wonderful gestures though confined at the time to a wheelchair. I hope and pray for God to bless her with the eternal rest she so deserves, and for comfort for her family and many friends.

Our prayers are for Patty's family and friends. She doesn't need to be prayed into Heaven.

We first met Patty when we joined the Christian artists group and were invited into her home. We got to know her better through Call To Action. She was always gracious, but strong-willed and keen on justice. She didn't believe you could simply talk about it, or just throw money at it. She wanted action.

She is now in Heaven, talking to our mothers. Heaven help us!

God bless you always, all ways.

As young marrieds we first became acquainted with Pat and Patty about 1960 when Pat came to speak at a CFM meeting in Ottawa, IL. She has been an inspiration for our continued work for renewal in the Church for almost 50 years. Later we formed a CFM group in Elmira NY, traveled with the Foundation for International Cooperation on two trips, hosted families and reunited with Patty at the Call to Action reunion. Joan Chittister said it well--icon," "rebel," "star" and "saint."

Patty Crowley is our inspiration and model of a real Christian woman.

Patty showed me how it was possible to stay involved in the Catholic church and work for positive change. I remember first being inspired by her when we met at a WOC conference in 1995 and then gathering in her home for various social justice discussions over the years. I know Patty's spirit will be evident in the continuing social justice work of all those she touched.

Patty spoke in Nebraska in 1996. Her words were celebrated by many, but the members of Call To Action Nebraska were particularly inspired by her courage. Thank you Patty. God bless your children and all those you nurtured during your beautiful life.

Memories abound for the countless members of the Foundation for International Cooperation, who have met people from and in all parts of the world. Their lives have been touched and enriched forever - thanks to the generously kind efforts of Patty and Pat, whose foresight drew the organization together. Patty's hospitality and love will live on in the hearts of all FICers.

Patty Crowley is an inspiration for generations of Call To Action

activists working for social justice and Church reform.





In 1999 I had arranged for her to speak briefly to the Call To Action Conference of 3,000 people to announce the Crowley Legacy Fund Campaign. I took the liberty of outlining some comments she should make. When I presented them to her, she shot back, "No one has ever told me what to say!" I fell on my knees to beg her forgiveness. She went on to charm the socks off the participants IN HER OWN WORDS.



I love and treasure the visits I had with her.

We feel so blessed to have had Pat and Patty in our lives, through CFM and FIC.Immesurable enrichment to our family and out in waves. Perhaps you know that Jacques Mignon, of Paris, died Nov. 12. Two giant figures in FIC's work toward international understanding have left this earth together. Exploring next universe? Our sincerest sympathy. Bob & Rae

To all the wonderful Caron/Crowley Families,we send our heartfelt sympathies for the loss of Patty. It was our pleasure to be in her presence through our work at Little Brothers in the early 70's and later when we established the vacation house in Rochelle. She and your father were incredibly inspiring people to be around. We will always hold their memories close in our hearts.

Dear Crowley Family,



My Mom and Dad (Alice and Louie Christopher) were dear friends of Pat and Patty. They were not only CFM pals but Gene McCarthy supporters. I remember when Pat and Patty had a reception for Bernadette Devlin in their Handcock home. My mother brought me along and low and behold Paul Newman was there! I was serving appetizers and practically dropped them in his lap! The Crowley's were a true inspriation and will be remembered for many years to come.



God bless you all.

Dear Mary Ann and Gary, Mac and I were very sorry to hear of your Mom's death. I remember meeting her and visiting her home and feeling very welcome. My parents were involved in CFM when I was a child so perhaps they crossed paths as well. My father died of Parkinson's three years ago so I have some idea of how difficult this might have been for your Mom and your family. We will be keeping your whole family in our prayers. Betsy and Mac

To Sr. Pat and family: My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you. You all will be in my prayers. Patty Crowley was a role model and a wonderful woman who truly lived her faith. I was privileged to know her, if only for a brief time.

Ayani Good (Pam Backis)

My deepest sympathy to the Crowley family (local and extended.)

I had the honor of attending Patty's 90th Birthday Mass and celebration.

She was and will remain an inspiration to ALL.

Respectfully, Candi

Dear Patsy,

My mom, Cam DeMots, and your mom were good friends for a long time. I know my mom so enjoyed going down to see her for their regular get togethers. I loved taking the coats down to Deborah's Place and the Howard Street Center each year when my mom organized the coat drive and I thought of you. From CFM with their kids, all the way to the book group, they loved ideas and sharing them together as friends. Your mom was an inspiration to me and many. My mom passed away 2 years ago, and I share your missing a wonderful, great woman.

Carolyn DeMots

Dear Sister Pat & Family,



I remember your Mom with great affection. My Mom and I loved the Christmas parties at Patty's house. She was the epitome of hospitality. May God bless you all at this difficult time and may He grant her eternal rest.

I met Mrs. Crowley in 1972 when I went on a FIC exchange student trip to France in high school. I remember visiting her apartment in the Hancock building and how gracious she and her husband were. Sister Pat was our chaperone and that trip was a wonderful memory. I am sorry to her that Mrs. Crowley has passed and I send my condolences to her family.

For the members of the Christian Family Movement, to whom Patty was a model of Christian charity and service, thank you for the good fruit you have borne in so many families over the years.

The Pax Christi daily meditation book includes a memory of Robert Louis Stevenson's. As a child he'd notice the town lamplighter igniting the gas lights and say:

"Oh, Mum, look it's the person who

punches holes in the darkness."



Thanks, Patty Crowley, for punching

so many holes of your own!



FITZ

Patsy...please accept my condolences.



Debbie Cotter

Pat and Patty Crowley have both left this world with a list of accomplishments in help to others that is certainly some kind of a world record. In the 1950s I was a local leader in the Christian Family Movement in Bellwood and can testify to the love and respect all had for them. My heart goes out to their family.

What an incredible Spirit who touched so many with love & laughter. Her light will continue to shine from above each starry evening.

To all who loved Patty and what she stood for: justice, tolerance, service. She will surely be missed but her legacy will not die. Patty, may you and your friend Jack Egan watch over us all as the Good Fight continues.