Clarice “Patti” Crites

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Clarice “Patti” Crites, 84, passed away on Oct. 10, 2022 following a brief illness.

Born in Rumford to Clarence and Edith Murphy on June 19, 1938, Patti grew up in Mexico, graduating from Mexico High School in 1956. For several years Patti worked at Rumford Hospital as a phlebotomist until she moved to Las Vegas, Nev. where she continued her career as a phlebotomist.

On Oct. 12, 1980, Patti married the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Crites. They spent 36 years together until Dick’s passing in 2016.

Patti enjoyed returning to Maine to see friends and family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she enjoyed her trips to Tennessee to see her son and daughter-in-law.

Patti was always active and was known for her early-morning power walks. People appreciated her loving nature and sense of humor. She always appreciated good food, good art, and good-looking guys.

She is survived by a son, Doug Mawhinney and wife, Dawn-Marie of Chattanooga, Tenn.; brothers Albert Murphy and wife, Marjorie, of Peru and David Murphy and wife, Molly, of Mexico; grandchildren Angela Woods and husband, Craig, of Peru and Erik Mawhinney and wife, Louann, of Peru; great-grandchildren Ethan, Kara, and Adam Woods and Emma Mawhinney of Peru; special friend and neighbor, Barbara Jackson; and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her husband, Richard Crites; and by her son, Joe Mawhinney.

The family will plan a celebration of Patti’s life at a later date.