Patricia (Pat) Ann Roberts McCrary, 96, of Deerfield Beach, Florida, formerly of Lima, Ohio, made her transition at home on Friday, January 21, 2022. She died of natural causes after a very full and vibrant life.

Pat was born June 21, 1925 to Dean C. and Juanita (June) Powell Roberts. Pat loved, learned, and taught dance throughout her childhood and adolescence at Esther Toy Dance Studio in Lima.  She excelled in sports in high school, and when WWII started she began work at the Lima Tank Depot. In 1947 she met and married the love of her life, Ken McCrary, and they started a 57-year adventure together. Along with Ken and her son, Michael, this entrepreneurial group started, owned and developed many successful businesses in Ohio and Florida.

Pat will be lovingly remembered by all for her positive attitude, wonderful smile, generous spirit, kindness, and love of animals. Patricia is survived by her son Michael Dean McCrary (wife Marilyn) and daughter Toni Jo Cattell (wife Sheryl), her grandchildren Michael James McCrary, Michelle Patricia McCrary Gosselin, Jerry L Cattell, Thomas Patrick Cattell, Misty Danielle McCrary Bean, Melissa Deann McCrary Gorham and Matthew Kenny George McCrary, plus 12 great-grandchildren and "chosen" family members, Jerry R Cattell, and Kathy Jo Leidy, both of Ohio. Pat was predeceased by her husband, Kenneth McCrary.

It's hard to describe how much Pat meant to so many people. She was beautiful inside and out. She always led by "example" to try to be the best person she could be, to always be kind, and to leave each person she interacted with feeling a little bit better about themselves after being with her. She always saw the best in people and looked for the silver lining in the tough situations in her life.  She has been the beacon for so many of us, and we will each carry her in our hearts for the rest of lives.

She brings to mind the words from the musical "Wicked"… "I do believe I have been changed for the better. And because I knew you I have been changed For good"

There will be a memorial service at a future date when it is safe to meet in person at Pat's spiritual home- "River of Grass Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Davie, FL."  Pat found inspiration, support, fun, and spiritual connections here, and so many folks were there for her throughout these last few years.  Thank you to everyone for the incredible love, support and compassion you have shared with Pat.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish to, memorial contributions may be sent to one of the following very worthy causes:

*Your local animal shelter, Humane Society or the ASPCA: https://secure.aspca.org/donate/ps-memory-sl-p1,  Pat loved animals!

* River of Grass Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Davie, Florida: https://riverofgrassuu.org   Pat loved the "River".

* Trustbridge Hospice of Palm Beach County/Hospice by the Sea: https://trustbridge.com/donate-now.  Trustbridge was such a help, and took great loving care of Pat at home.

Cremation arrangements made by Gary Panoch Funeral Home & Cremations in Boca Raton, Florida.