In Memory

Patricia 'Pat' Cristy (Earl) - Class Of 1942

Patricia 'Pat' Cristy (Earl)

Patricia Cristy Earl, 92, passed away in San Luis Obispo, California on March 7, 2017. She was born in Pasadena on November 11, 1924 to Harlan and Mabel Becker Cristy. Pat graduated from South Pasadena High School and attended the University of Arizona. She traveled to Providence, Rhode Island where she and her high school sweetheart, Ben Earl, were married immediately following his commissioning as an ensign in the Navy on January 6, 1945.

In 1951, Pat and Ben built their dream home in Arcadia where they raised their four children and continued to live until Ben's passing in 2013. Pat was a gifted gardener. Many weddings and parties were held in her beautifully landscaped back yard. Her interest in gardens and art led to years of service as a docent at the Huntington Library. Pat cherished all the friends she made at the Monrovia YMCA's early morning exercise class. In 2015 she moved to San Luis Obispo to be near her daughter Cristy. She thoroughly enjoyed this new adventure.

Pat is survived by her children, Jody (Roger) Helliwell, Cristy (Vic) Ecklund, Marjorie (Don) Fryer, and Ben (Jonee) Earl; twin sister, Sue (SPHS '42) and her husband Ed Eubanks; sister Jerry Lehman (SPHS '46); ten grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and her faithful canine companion, Bear. She was preceded in death by her parents; her lifelong sweetheart, Ben; and her sister, Joey. All who knew Pat will remember her for her ready smile and quick wit. She made friends easily and kept them for life. She will forever be much loved.

Orange County-Register, March 19, 2017