Patricia Clifton French

Patricia Clifton (Lavsa) French, almost 98, passed away on Sunday March 3, 2024. She was born March 17, 1926, in Kingston NY, the third child of Edith Laura (Garrison) and Otto Lavsa. She is predeceased by her husband Tom, sister Wilma Lemister and brother Carl Lavsa.

After graduating high school at the age of 15 in 1941, she had to wait a few years to work then ended up at MacKay Radio and Telegraph in Washington, D.C. where she met and married Thomas M. French on May 8, 1949. Pat worked as a clerk, Tom delivered the telegrams. He trained as an airline mechanic, employed first by Capital Airlines which merged with United Air Lines from which he eventually retired. The family lived in Rockville Md before moving to Aurora Colorado in 1964.

Pat is survived by six children: Thomas (Mary), Barbara Campbell, William (Mirna), Robert (Diane), Richard (Liz) and Jeb (Sandy); 18 grandchildren; 11 greatgrandchildren.

Pat LOVED her daily crossword puzzles. Her grandchildren fondly remember her soft hands. For many years she supported and participated in Aurora's Crop Walk; very involved with Parent Teacher Association, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts. 1971- present, member of Aurora Interchurch Task Force, president 1976-9=1977, 1988-1989, 1991-1992; member, Aurora Action Coalition for Community Services since its founding; member, Channel 9 Nine Cares, Colorado Shares food drive; member, Caring Connection; served as election judge; 1976, received Outstanding Achievement and Service to the Community Award by the Aurora Rotary; 1991, Aurora Centennial Committee Choir Festival coordinator.

The family extends a big thank you! to the dining and caregiver staff at Garden Plaza Bridge for all the love and care in support of Pat during her eight plus years residing there.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church 1450 Airport Blvd, Aurora, Colorado 80011.