Patricia Joan Foote

Patricia "Pat" Foote June 26, 1943 - March 10, 2025 On Monday, March 10, 2025, Patricia “Pat” Foote, transitioned to her next journey. While of course we will miss her something fierce, we are relieved to know she is no longer suffering. As she so eloquently shared a while back, “this Parkinsons is a bitch.” Pat was the daughter of Catherine and Edwin Foote and the oldest (the Big Toe) of the five Foote sisters: Kathie Corley, Mary Buchanan, Betsy Foote, and Sue Rodriguez. Their family was based in Nutley, New Jersey, alongside scores of cousins, starting back “to when Franklin Avenue was a dirt road.” Now, the family resides throughout the country. Pat moved to Cape Coral, Florida in 2004, and lived in the same neighborhood as her son Kevin, daughter-in-law Christine, and grandchildren Anthony and Anna. Pat’s daughter Linda relocated to the same neighborhood in 2014. Pat was a surrogate mother to many throughout her life, and if you were called one of her “urchins” you knew you were in her sphere of support and protection. Her door and heart were always open, and to the day she passed, she continued to hear from this extended family. She did not suffer fools and could be blunt. However, her capacity to care for others was extraordinary. Pat was an artist, writer, baker, exceptional cook, and entertainer. She hosted many festivities over the years and created beloved annual traditions that live on today with family and friends including the Tree Lighting Party held on the night of the Rockefeller Christmas tree lighting, writing an original new Christmas story each year that she sent out as her holiday card, and baking Valentine’s Day cupcakes, St. Patrick’s Day cupcakes, Irish soda bread, Hot Cross buns, and Challah bread all which were distributed to family and neighbors on their respective holidays. Pat lived a colorful life, which from her hand-painted pink garage door, array of brightly colored clothing, and love of turquoise and other Native American jewelry, was immediately obvious. Her garden was her sanctuary, and at each place she lived, she created an oasis for wildlife and humans alike. Pat continues her uniqueness in perpetuity by donating her body to the forensics department at Florida Gulf Coast University. If you knew her, you realize this is a completely apt choice – the woman loved her crime shows and volunteering for the community. At Pat’s (insistent) request, there will be no service. If you are so inclined to honor her memory, use your good dishes and antiques, and light the candles. There is no need to save them for a special occasion as every day is worthy. Choose to wear a bright jewel tone color in her honor and “put your face on.” Pat was always fully color coordinated and accessorized with her makeup on. Or contribute to the charities she supported, St. Jude’s Hospital and/or Shriners Hospital for Children. There is a quilted piece of artwork that has been hanging in Pat’s home for years that says: “Live so that when your children hear these words they think of you…Fairness, Caring, Integrity, Honesty, Love, and Trust.” Fly free, Pat – those words are true. Pat rarely said goodbye on the phone and instead preferred to say “ta-DAH.” “Ta-DAH,” Pat.