Patricia L Earl

Patricia ""Pat"" Louise Earl, age 80, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 7, 2009 at Oakwood Village West.   She was born the daughter of Robert ""Bert"" and Sophia (Lang) Salisbury on December 22, 1928 in Milwaukee.   Pat lived in Madison most of her life.   After graduating from Madison West High School in 1946, she attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison, graduating with a degree in Education in 1950.   Pat was united in marriage to John Willard Earl from Fennimore on June 23, 1951.   She was a speech and language therapist in the public schools in Beaver Dam, the Milwaukee area, and in Madison until she retired from teaching in 1988.   She had a special love for children, which was a true gift to the children she taught through the years.   Pat was a long-time member of P.E.O., Madison Civics Club, the Friendship Force of Wisconsin, Zeta Phi Eta (a national professional fraternity in communication arts and sciences), and Second Winders (an alumni group of Elderhostel enthusiasts).   Pat was an avid reader and a creative cook.   She loved to travel with John and visited many countries with the Friendship Force.   Pat was renowned for her ability to make friends.   A gracious woman, Pat was dearly loved by all who knew her. Pat is survived by John, her loving husband of 57 years, devoted children, Janet (Roger) Hunerdosse, Madison and Douglas (Carrie) Earl, Brookfield, cherished grandchildren, Rachel and Philip Hunerdosse and Brian and Allison Earl, a sister, Barbara (Donald) Kaiser, Portage, a brother, Robert (Virginia) Salisbury, Madison, and nieces and nephews.   She was preceded in death by her parents and a son, James Robert in 1976.   A visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm, on Thursday, February 12, 2009 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Rd., Madison, WI.   A memorial celebration of Patricia's life will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, February 13, 2009 in the Auditorium at OAKWOOD VILLAGE WEST, 6205 Mineral Point Rd., Madison, WI.   The family suggests in lieu of flowers that memorial contributions may be made in Patricia's name to First Church of Christ Scientist, 610 S. Segoe Road, Madison, WI, The Oakwood Foundation, 6201 Mineral Point Rd., Madison, or the charity of one's choice.