World traveler, human rights advocate

Patricia Lightfoot of Sleepy Hollow, New York, a former resident of Claremont, died on March 6, 2017 in Westchester County, New York with her children by her side. She was 73 years old.

She was born on May 6, 1943 to James and Lillian Pender Petrie in Washington, DC. She was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Manhasset, New York, St. Vincent’s Hospital School of Nursing in New York City, Scripps College and Claremont Graduate School. On February 24, 1968, she married Dr. Paul Ryan Lightfoot. Paul predeceased his wife.

Patricia was an intrepid world traveler and loved visiting countries with rich history and culture such as Syria, Iran, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Myanmar and many others. She was a tireless community speaker and advocate on end of life and health care issues. She embraced ethnic and religious diversity.  

She is survived by her children, Deborah Lightfoot of San Francisco and Paul Lightfoot of Briarcliff Manor, New York, her four grandchildren and her siblings Regina Papa, Karen Restaino and Albert Petrie. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother James Petrie. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions to aid Syrian refugees may be made to American Refugee Committee “In Memory of Patricia Lightfoot” at tinyurl.com/hn7kr6b. For information regarding memorial services, email WeRememberPat@gmail.com.