Obituary - Patricia Joan Liebenderfer Crone

CRONE, Patricia Joan Liebenderfer of Richmond, Virginia entered God's eternal kingdom on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at the age of 97.

Born to Esther North and George Dewey Liebenderfer on February 18, 1928, Patricia grew up in Akron, Ohio. As a young woman she attended Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey, where she met her lifelong love James Patterson Crone and married in 1948. The young family subsequently moved to Richmond, Virginia. Patricia, a gifted mezzo-soprano, was well known in the Richmond music community as a member of the Richmond Choral Society and performed the lead operatic roles in Amahl and the Night Visitors, Carmen, and Madam Butterfly. She also sang as a featured vocalist in local churches, all while raising her four children in the Northside area. In retirement Patricia relished her time working at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

In the twilight of her life, Patricia returned to the heart of Northside as a much-beloved, active resident of The Hermitage Richmond, where she enjoyed time with her dear friends, Simon Barnet, Jane Kent, and Susan French. She was known for her captivating charm, sharp wit, and ever-fabulous wardrobe.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Ted and George Liebenderfer, and the love of her life, her husband Jim. She is survived by her children Colleen Crone Moore of Richmond, James Patterson Crone II 'Buzz' (Kim) of Meridian, Idaho, Cathleen Crone of Mar Vista, California, and Carolyn Crone of Richmond; niece Janice Lynn Smith (Jim) of Cincinnati, Ohio; her grandchildren Angela Moore Sykes (Stephen), Nathan Moore, and Carson Moore; and great grandchildren Carter, Charlotte, and namesake Clara Patricia Sykes, and Zaylee Bobbitt, who will cherish her memory, especially their Saturday card games with Grandma Patty.

A private service will be held with interment at Mount Vernon Memorial Park Cemetery, Glen Allen, Virginia.