Patricia Kropp's Obituary
Enduring the long goodbye of Alzheimer's, Patricia Crosson Kropp was finally at peace when she departed this earth on January 23, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love and compassion that will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.
Born on November 3, 1939, in Newark, NJ, Patricia was affectionately known as Pat to her friends, Patty to her parents, Grandma Pat to her grandkids, and Mom to her two daughters, Tracy and Judy. She was the cherished daughter of Joseph Edward Crosson and Lillian Zeliff Crosson. Pat's early years were spent on the Jersey Shore, fostering a deep love for the beach.
Pat's life was marked by three enduring passions: her dedication to friends and family, her lifelong commitment to serving others, and her unwavering faith. She pursued her nursing degree at the University of Delaware and began her career as a head nurse at St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washington, D.C., where she worked with psychiatric and mental health patients. Her commitment to mental health led her to earn a Master of Science in Psychiatric Nursing from the Catholic University of America.
The majority of Pat's distinguished career was spent serving the County of Loudoun. Initially, she worked as a public health nurse, providing essential care to rural populations. Later, she transitioned to the Loudoun County Mental Health Department, where she became a Board-certified Clinical Specialist in Adult Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing. Pat's impact extended beyond her clinical role as she played a pivotal role in establishing crucial services for the county. Some of these included establishing the Emergency Services Program which provides 24-hour crises intervention to persons experiencing severe mental health issues and the Loudoun County suicide hotline. She was part of a team that debriefed fire, rescue, and law enforcement personnel after critical incidents. She was a member of multiple tasks forces including Substance Abuse Curriculum Development for Loudoun County Schools in the early 1970s, the Suicide Prevention Coalition, tasked with prevention of suicides of youth and the Homeless Task Force where she was appointed by the Board of Supervisors to address the needs of the homeless. She was responsible for the establishment of the first homeless shelter in Loudoun County.
Pat continued to share her expertise by teaching mental health nursing classes at Shenandoah University and serving on the Loudoun County Community Services Board. In response to the events of 9-11, she dedicated herself to a crisis team supporting first responders and airline employees dealing with the trauma.
Pat's steadfast faith found a home at Leesburg Presbyterian Church, where she was a member for over forty years. She volunteered tirelessly, serving as an elder, choir member, and head of the mission and witness committee. She enjoyed accompanying the church youth on various mission trips. She valued the relationships she built and the community of the church. Pat's faith sustained her, and she held a deep belief that she would one day be reunited with her mother, father, brother Edward Joseph Crosson and her best friend Bill Kropp all of whom preceded her in death.
While Pat's career and church involvement were significant, her true passion was her family. She took immense pride and joy in her daughters, grandchildren, and extended family. Despite her busy schedule, Pat never missed a momentous occasion in their lives, from birthdays to sporting events and plays. Her love for travel and golf was shared with her mother, creating lasting memories. Something she always enjoyed was the family’s annual vacations to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. In essence, Pat's greatest joy was simply "being" with her family.
Patricia Crosson Kropp is survived by her loving daughters Tracy Kropp Kenny and Judith Kropp McHenry, as well as her adored grandchildren Keira Grace Kenny, Aidan Joseph Kenny, and Josephine Anna McHenry.
A service of remembrance will be held at the Leesburg Presbyterian Church on March 2, 2024, at 10:00 am with a reception to follow.
Pat’s daughters would like to thank Lansdowne Heights for their unwavering compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the National Capital Area Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association in her name by visiting http://act.alz.org/goto/patriciakropp OR The Friends of Loudoun Mental Health by visiting https://www.loudounfriends.org
What’s your fondest memory of Patricia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Patricia?
Share a story where Patricia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Patricia you’ll never forget.
How did Patricia make you smile?