LEWIS, Patricia Anne

Patricia Anne Lewis, born New York City, July 15, 1939, went peacefully home to God on April 6, 2004. Born to James and Marie Ruddell. While still a small child in New York, Patti, as she is known to all of her friends, was somewhat of a child prodigy, giving a piano recital at Carnegie Hall. Alas, that was to be her first and last public performance. Patti's family brought their "Irish Lass" to Phoenix when she was still a child. She attended St. Mary's High School, graduating with the class of 1957. Though more than 45 years have passed, some of Patti's closest and dearest friends today, were her classmates at St. Mary's. Most of Patti's professional life was spent as a legal secretary here in Phoenix. Loved by her peers and feared (lovingly) by her bosses, Patti spent many years helping fledgling attorneys learn the ropes and supporting more senior attorneys, many times above and beyond the call of duty. If there was a sports pool to be had, Patti was the organizer. In spite of a busy professional life, she managed to become a darn good golfer, bowler, fisherman and softball player. Though not blessed with children of her own, Patti was "auntie" to her many friends' children and grandchildren. Her love of children extended to her volunteer work for Crisis Nursery. Patti had a very special and distinctive laugh - and we heard it often, even in recent months. In the last months of her life, Patti showed extraordinary courage and style and has left us all with a lesson of what the term "grace under pressure" really means. She leaves behind countless friends, their children and grandchildren, and many former colleagues. We were blessed to have her in our lives. Go with God Patti, until we meet again. You will live in our hearts forever. Services were held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 8620 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, Arizona on Wednesday, April 14, 2004, with visitation and a Rosary. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Crisis Nursery, 2334 E. Polk Street, Phoenix, AZ 85006 or the charity of your choice. Published in the Arizona Republic on 4/11/2004.