Patricia Anne Croissant, age 86, of Monticello, New York, passed away on April 11, 2025, at Garnet Health Medical Center in Harris, New York.

Born Patricia Anne Lamb on August 26, 1938, in Queens, New York, she was known throughout her life as “Pat.” She married the love of her life, William “Bill” Croissant, on May 2, 1963, beginning a devoted 62-year marriage filled with love and partnership.

As a young woman, Pat reveled in the excitement of working in NYC while employed by National Airlines, where her love of travel flourished and she explored much of the world before starting a family. In 1970, Pat and Bill moved with their three young children to Swinging Bridge Lake in Monticello, NY, where they began a 55-year journey operating Swinging Bridge Marina, a business that became central to their lives and beloved by generations of locals and visitors.

Pat was a self-taught and accomplished chef who poured her heart into every dish, even once calling Julia Child for clarification on a recipe. In 1988, she opened and operated Scalawags Restaurant and Nightclub in Monticello, which she ran until 2000. She later managed the food service at Frontier Insurance in Rock Hill, NY, and eventually became a licensed real estate broker. In the 1990s, Pat was a passionate advocate for legalized casino gaming in NYS, hoping to bring new life to Sullivan County. She was proud to see that dream become a reality.

Pat was tenacious, resilient, endlessly hardworking, and passionate about every endeavor she undertook. She faced life’s challenges with courage and heart.

She was an avid reader and was always seeking knowledge. Pat had a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature and all of its creatures. She loved the quiet and peacefulness of winter and found comfort in its stillness.

She also cherished life’s simple pleasures, especially her Sunday afternoons visiting her sister Barbara and nephew Carlo, spending the day reading through all the Sunday newspapers together. Pat enjoyed slow pontoon boat rides on a quiet weekday with her family, soaking in the beauty and peace of the lake she loved so deeply.

Pat struggled with dementia for years, and over time, much of her memory faded. Yet she remained at home, lovingly cared for by her devoted husband Bill until her passing. Though much was lost to the disease, she never forgot her husband or her children, a grace for which her family remains deeply thankful.

She is survived by her husband, William (Bill) Croissant of Monticello; daughter Patricia (Patty) Croissant of Hamptonburgh, NY; sons William (Bill) Croissant Jr. of Monticello, and Michael Croissant and his wife Sandra of Monticello, NY. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Connor Croissant of San Diego, CA, and Angela Croissant of Brooksville, Florida, and their mother, Christine Croissant. She is also survived by nephews Carlo Santangelo and his wife Kirsten of Goshen, NY, and Christopher Santangelo and his wife Jennifer of Montgomery, NY.

Pat was predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Anne Lamb; her sister Barbara Santangelo and her husband Martin Zeitchick; and her sister Carol Ackerman.

Pat will be remembered for her deep love of family, her sharp wit, her generosity, and the lifelong friendships she held close, especially her cherished neighbors, the Rhulen family of Monticello, who became like family. She touched countless lives with her warmth, strength, and boundless spirit.

Her family will miss her more than words can express. Her laughter, wisdom, and unwavering love will remain in their hearts forever.

A private memorial service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pat’s memory to: Friends of the Feathered and Furry Wildlife Center, 10846 Route 23A, Hunter, NY 12442 or online at https://www.fffwildlifecenter.org

Pat found tremendous joy in the daily visits from the eagles that soared above the lake, a place that brought her peace, pride, and lasting happiness.

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