Patricia G. Clearwater, 83, passed away quietly and unexpectedly on December 13, 2017 at the University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro. She was the daughter of Grace Morgan Moore of Bushwood, Maryland. She is survived by her devoted husband of 59 years, retired U.S.NavyCaptain John L. Clearwater, her son, John L. Clearwater Jr., daughter Kimberley Gaye Clearwater, two loving grandchildren, Joshua Clearwater and Kristen Clearwater, several nieces, nephews, cousins and many wonderful friends. She was a devoted parishioner of St. Paul’s Parish, Princeton.
Patricia lived in Princeton, her 22nd place of residence, having traveled home and abroad, she always found time to be involved with the community, social service, and volunteerism; while also raising two children.
During her husband’s 30 year naval career, Patricia was active as a volunteer serving families of deployed personnel at many locations with the American Red Cross, Navy Relief Society, and Care Counseling Centers. Her Navy experiences also included serving as submarince force Ombudsman at Submarine Base New London for the wives of submariners deployed at sea totally out of contact for extended periods.
Since arriving to the Princeton Area in 1984, Patricia’s volunteer activities included: YWCA Newcomers and Friends President, YWCA Bramwell House Co-Chair, YWCA Board of Directors, Bainbridge House Docent, Drumthwacket Docent, early Womanspace, Inc. patron and volunteer, among others. She was recognized for a 12 year stint as a volunteer and docent at the Governor’s Mansion and implementing the “Discover New Jersey” program for 4th grade school students on field trips.
The effort she took most pride and joy in was the work she did in supporting and fostering the YWCA Princeton Breast Cancer Resource Center (BCRC). A significant achievement was her role in initiating and sustaining a BCRC mission trip to India which was unprecedented. The trip allowed BCRC to spread awareness of its mission work and assist the YWCAs in India to replicate primary initiatives such as breast cancer education, information/referral, early detection/intervention and culturally-sensitive support during treatment. Patricia was instrumental in making this happen.
Patricia has earned the hearts of many along with the respect and gratitude of those whom she has served within the wider Princeton Community.
The visitation will be held from 7:00 to 9:00 PM Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at The Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, 40 Vandeventer Ave., Princeton.
The funeral will be held 9:00 AM Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 AM at St. Paul’s Church, 216 Nassau St., Princeton.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Patricia’s name to charitable organizations she served.
