Cross, Patricia A.

SELKIRK- Patricia Ann Cross (nee Riley), 83, entered into eternal life on Saturday, October 17, 2020. The daughter of Raymond and Helen (Jackson) Riley, she was born in New Paltz, NY, on October 24th, 1936. Known in childhood as Patsy, she was raised primarily in the South End of Albany, and was a faithful communicant of St. John's-St. Ann's Church. After meeting and marrying her husband, she moved to Selkirk to raise her family. She was a devoted mother who enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and other craft projects. Never a fan of conformity and always a fan of fun, she also loved waterskiing and snowmobiling. She liked playing practical jokes and laughed while recalling how she short-sheeted the beds of the priests at the seminary where she worked when her children were young. She was an avid reader, enjoying science fiction, especially anything written by Stephen King. Her quick wit and keen insights kept everyone on their toes. She was a smart businesswoman, which was reflected in her co-ownership of the family business, John Cross Excavating.

Her grandchildren arrived to a grandmother always ready to talk, listen, and give great advice; a grandma willing to sneak cookies before dinner and tell stories about just how terrible their parents were as children; a grandma who giggled with her grandkids at the questionable parts of movies, who taught them about Elvis and rock 'n roll, who taught them how to hang up on telemarketers with style; a grandma who sang songs and gave nicknames, and wrapped grandkids up in homemade blankets & quilts, who slipped homemade sweaters and shawls and dresses over their heads; a grandma who cheered from the sidelines at countless sporting events, who applauded every accomplishment; a grandma who loved them no matter what.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, John N. Cross, her sister, Alice (Riley) Bauer, and her brother, Joseph Riley. She is survived by her loving children, Christine Riley (Owen), Linda Soroka (Peter), Kathleen Porterfield (late Bob), John Cross, Jr. (Brenda); 12 grandchildren: Terrence Matthews, Jr. (James), Peter Soroka, Jr. (Heather), Daniel Hotaling, Jr., Susan Matthews, Shaun Matthews (Kyle), Scott Hotaling (Dave), Jennifer Perry (Mark), Matthew Hotaling (Amanda), Cameryn Cross, Quaniesha Porterfield (Justin), Reggie Porterfield, and Carly Cross (Stevie); 18 great-grandchildren: Emily (Tyler), Madison and Leo Soroka; Jadis & Brian White, Antonio Ball, Xavier & Zander Hotaling; Shyenne Matthews; Cole, Samantha, Jackson and Landon Perry; Liam, Raymond, Lilianna and Russell Hotaling; and Ellesandria Knapik; & 1 great-great grandson, Lucas Smith. She is also survived by her niece, Joanne Bauer, her great nephew, Christopher Bauer, and many other nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited and may visit with her family on Thursday, October 22, from 10 to 11:45 a.m. in the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, Inc., 490 Delaware Ave., Albany. Masks and social distancing are required and 30 visitors will be allowed in the funeral home at one time. A graveside service will follow the visitation at 12:30 p.m. in Calvary Cemetery, 481 Route 9W, Glenmont. Those who wish may send donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142 Memphis, TN 38148-0142