Patrick, Irene A., 84, July 25, 2013. Arrangements by Mockler Funeral Home, Caribou.
WOODLAND – Irene Annie (Erickson) Patrick, 84, died July 25, 2013, surrounded by family in Caribou. She was born in New Sweden, Maine on May 2, 1929, the second of eight children of Oscar and Bertha (Anderson) Erickson.
Irene married her best friend Clayton Patrick on November 22, 1950. They raised two children and farmed potatoes on the New Sweden Road in Woodland. As a young girl, Irene’s mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Still a young girl herself, Irene became like a second mother to her six younger siblings, a remarkable feat. She was a tireless worker, actively involved in running the farm. Together, Irene and Clayton still planted potatoes well into their late 70s and operated one of the last remaining hand crews in Aroostook County. Many kids over many years will recall picking potatoes for them. She was proud of her Scandinavian heritage and enjoyed speaking Swedish. She was an active and devoted member of Gustaf Adolph Lutheran Church, where she enjoyed baking and participating in the activities of the church. Irene enjoyed bowling in a women’s league in Caribou for many years and won many trophies. For decades, Irene and Clayton quietly volunteered their time distributing food through a local food bank to those in need. Irene was a renowned cook. She was famous for her strawberry rhubarb and apple pies, cinnamon rolls, fudge, and every cookie imaginable. She was happiest spending time with her large extended family at birthday parties and holidays.
Mrs. Patrick was predeceased by her parents, loving brothers, Oscar Jr., William, Richard, and Frederick, and a dear sister Shirley. Irene is survived by her husband of 62 years, Clayton, who lovingly cared for her in her later years; son, Duane of Woodland; and daughter Carmen of Bangor; sister, Janet of New Sweden, sister, Patsy and husband, Dick, of Caribou; sister-in-law, Janet of Colorado Springs, CO; and sister-in-law (and special friend) Virginia of Bangor. She will be sadly missed and remembered by many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. In recent times, Irene found great joy spending time with her great-niece Kate, and great-nephews, Jack and Ethan Bechtel.
Friends called 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir St, Caribou. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, at Gustaf Adolph Lutheran Church, New Sweden, with Fr. Robert Smith, officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to help with funeral expenses. Friends who wish to contribute in memory of Irene may do so through the G.A. Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 54, New Sweden, ME 04762.
www.mocklerfuneralhome.com
