PAT GRISWOLD Brazil, IN

PAT GRISWOLD

Brazil, IN

Having lived a life of love and care for others, Patricia (Pat) Griswold, 83, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2023. Pat was loved and respected by everyone she encountered in her career, her church, and her community activities. Her kind, humble spirit and sense of humor will be remembered by all.

Pat was born in Fort Madison, Iowa, in 1940, but she lived most of her adult life in Indianapolis and Trafalgar, Indiana. She obtained an undergraduate degree from Indiana University and a masters degree from Butler University.

Her career as an occupational therapist spanned many years and accomplishments. Beginning in 1963, Pat became Chief OT at the IUPUI Cerebral Palsy Treatment Center, and later in her career she became the Director of Clinical Education, teaching OT students and supervising their clinical assignments. She received numerous honors for her dedication to her patients. Pat was a pioneer in her field, well known for her innovative mechanisms and procedures that changed the lives of cerebral palsy patients. Using her wood and metal crafting skills, she created adaptations for wheelchairs and tools for patients to utilize for tasks, such as self feeding and handwriting, which increased their independence. She also traveled throughout the U.S. training nurses and therapists to make adaptations for their own patients.

Pat was active in many church and community activities. She was an active member of the United Methodist Church all her life. At Trafalgar UMC, she was involved in many activities, including teaching children’s classes, assisting with the church garden, participating in several mission trips, and representing her church at annual leadership conferences. Her involvement in the Franklin Kiwanis Club also kept her involved in community service for many years.

Family, friends, and co-workers will all agree that Pat’s hearty, contagious laugh and her attention-getting high decibel whistle were her trademarks. She had a wonderful sense of humor and spread joy to everyone. Pat loved the simple things in life. She spent much time in outdoor activities, such as gardening, snow skiing, and spending time with her horses, dogs, and cats she cared for over her lifetime. Pat’s peaceful, kind, and joyful presence will be missed greatly by her family and friends, but we rejoice in knowing that she is in her heavenly home. Her religious faith was an inspiration to us all.

Pat is survived by her brother, Gene (Trudy) Griswold; her nieces and nephews, Amy (Brad) Thomas, Andrew Thomas, David (Lea Ann) Thomas, Nancy (Frank) Thomas Van Allen, and Ben (Susan) Thomas; and twelve great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Alice (Halbasch) Griswold; her sister, Mary (Amos) Griswold Thomas; and her nephew, Mark (Jean) Thomas. Pat’s family would also like to thank her long-time neighbor, Pam Garner, for her steadfast friendship and her help with Pat’s caretaking, as well as the staff at The Villas of Hollybrook (Brazil) and Mill Pond Health Campus (Greencastle).

There will be a private service for immediate family only, with burial at Clearview Cemetery in Brazil, Indiana. All are invited to attend a celebration of Pat’s life on Saturday, November 18, at Trafalgar United Methodist Church, at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Johnson County Animal Shelter, 2160 Graham Road, Franklin, IN 46131.