Just before Christmas, on 21st December 2011, long-time Crossfields and Browne House resident Patricia Hardwicke passed away peacefully at the ripe old age of 80. Pat had been battling cancer but until recently was still assisting the Tenants & Residents Association in her role as Treasurer.
Pat's funeral will be held on Wednesday 11th January 2012 at 10am at Honor Oak Crematorium, Brenchley Gardens SE23 3RD. The hearse will leave at 9am from 2 Greenstreet Hill (opposite Drakefell Road) SE14 5SR. Floral tributes are welcome – these can be sent or ordered from Francis Chappel Funeral Directors, 4 Lee High Road SE13 5LQ (020 8852 2936).
About Pat...
Born on 9th January 1931 in Birmingham, Pat had an adventurous life. Having left home at 18 to study art in Paris in the 50s, she ended up from the late 50s to 70s working for UNESCO in Paris and Geneva, then for UNDP in Ethiopia, the Congo and Sierra Leone during which time she visited many other countries in Africa. Many nations where she lived were enduring volatile political situations, though this never seemed to worry her.
In the late 70s she enrolled at London’s Goldsmith University College and fulfilled one of her lifelong ambitions of earning a degree, which she took in Sociology. This is the time when she first settled in her flat on Crossfields Estate, Deptford, which she was to keep for the rest of her life. She then re-trained as an English teacher, but, forever adventurous, Pat was often away teaching at schools in Africa, the Middle East and South America.
In the 90s, she settled back in London on Crossfields Estate, during which time she worked as a volunteer support teacher at Tidemill Primary School, and also for many years Pat was the treasurer for the Crossfields Tenants Association. One of her greatest pleasures and passions throughout her later life was the support she gave to local children through private tutoring, to help them prepare for their exams.
Pat will be fondly remembered as fiercely independent, always ready to help, and a reliable friend.
Pat is survived by her sister Chris and her family, her son Alain, his wife and her grandchildren Yeelen and Dounia.
Rest in Peace
A Wonderful woman who will be fondly remembered.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't it be nice to get a bench for the green area, in her memory? Too expensive I suppose...
ReplyDeleteRon
ReplyDeletePat was a true citizen of the world. I first met her in Ethiopia in 1966 and she remained a close friend until she died. How sad that she has gone. Memories of her will endure. She certainly left this world a better place by her kindness and her genuine interest in others. She was always independent but at the same totally unselfish.
May I suggest two other places for a bench in Pat's memory?
ReplyDeleteThe library/ swimming pool. And Deptford Saturday market. She was a devoted regular in both.