Patricia Ann Higinbotham peacefully entered eternal rest on September 22, 2024, after a life well lived, filled with love, music, and faith. Born in 1938 to Hugo and Betsie Greisen in Oswego, New York, Pat was truly a blessing to all who knew her.
Her life reflected her deep faith, devotion to family, and boundless love for travel, music, and dancing. Whether singing with a choir or dancing with her beloved husband Dale, her spirit was always alive with joy. Pat's legacy of love, kindness, selflessness and generosity will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.
Patricia graduated from Manatee High School in 1956 before pursuing her passion for music at Florida State University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in music and a few years later, a Master's degree from Appalachian State University. Her love for music blossomed into a career as a music teacher, where she crossed paths with her future husband, Dale Higinbotham. Always her biggest supporter, Dale often attended her vocal performances at local dance halls. Their shared love of dancing was the foundation of a beautiful relationship that spanned over 61 years-truly a match made in heaven.
In addition to her teaching career, Pat's musical talents shone brightly as a soloist for a local dance band as well as both a choir leader and soloist in church, where her voice brought joy to many. In later years, she and Dale worked alongside each other at the Bradenton Shopping Guide while raising their two daughters, Delinda and Holly, creating a life filled with love, music, and family. Her beauty and talent continued to shine through even later in life as she won the title of Ms. Florida Senior Citizen in 1996.
Pat remained actively involved in her community throughout her life. She volunteered at her daughters' school lunch program, brought joy to nursing home residents through her singing, and extended compassion by feeding the homeless. Known for her kindness, Pat often prepared homemade meals for friends and neighbors facing challenging times, always offering a helping hand when it was needed most. As a dedicated member of the SAI music fraternity since 1960 where she was awarded both the Sword of Honor and the Rose of Honor, she fostered her lifelong passion for music and service. When she wasn't serving in the community, she loved taking long walks on the beach with her husband Dale or working out together at the fitness center.
Pat took immense pride in her daughters and her cherished grandchildren-Lauren, Ashley, Ally, Chase, and Dylan. She loved hearing about their adventures and achievements and was always eager to be part of their lives, celebrating every milestone she could.
Family time was precious to Pat. Many vacations were spent in the Carolinas, where they would hike scenic trails and visit her mother, Betsie Greisen. In later years, the family's adventures expanded to include cruises and a memorable 10-week motorhome journey across the West, exploring countless National Parks. Even as empty nesters, Pat and Dale continued their love for travel, cruising and motor homing to new destinations, hiking, and visiting friends and family along the way.
Patricia is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Dale, her devoted daughters, Delinda Crampton and Holly Pascarella, her five adoring grandchildren – Lauren Reed, Allison and Ashley Pascarella, Chase and Dylan Crampton, sons-in-law Mark Pascarella and Gray Crampton and grand-son-in law Chandler Reed. Her parents, Hugo and Betsie Greisen, greeted her at the door to heaven, where she has now joined the Heavenly Choir and is dancing with Jesus.
A beacon of faith, kindness, and love, Patricia Higinbotham will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew her. In accordance with her final wishes, she will be laid to rest at LaFayette Memorial Park near Brownville, Pennsylvania.
A visitation will be held on Friday, September 27th, 6pm until 8pm, at Toale Brothers Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel, 40 N. Orange Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, September 28th, at 11am, at First Sarasota Baptist Church, 1661 Main St., Sarasota, FL 34236.
Donations can be made in her memory to Shriners Hospital or First Sarasota Baptist Church.
