BRUNSWICK — On June 12, 2016, a sunny Sunday afternoon, Patricia May Crooker Mulligan passed away peacefully in her home at beautiful Thomas Point Beach, surrounded by loving family and friends.

Patricia, known by all as “Pati”, was recognized throughout the Bath/Brunswick region as a mother, successful business woman, community volunteer, and Bluegrass Festival promoter.

She was born in Brunswick on February 24, 1948, the daughter of Harry & Marion Crooker. As a youth she attended Brunswick schools and graduated Brunswick High School in 1966. She was looking forward to celebrating her 50th class reunion this summer. She was a graduate of the University of Maine, Portland with a degree in Business Administration.

In 1959, at the age of 11, Pati joined her family in the day-to-day operations of Thomas Point Beach in Brunswick. Harry & Marion’s development of “The Family Funspot” offered a clean, safe, recreation area for families and children. In 1972, Pati took over as manager of the park and became sole owner in 1993. Pati was dedicated to continuing her parents’ vision of the Park, and further enhanced it by bringing family oriented events to Thomas Point, such as the Maine Festival, Maine Highland Games, The Portland Symphony Orchestra, the Saltwater Music Festival, and most notably, The Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival, started by Pati herself, in 1979.

In bringing bluegrass to Maine, with major headliners such as Marty Stuart, Del McCoury, Rhonda Vincent, Bill Monroe-the Father of Bluegrass, and hundreds more, Pati distinguished herself as a pioneer in the industry. Her festival drew people from around the world, and was recognized with awards and accolades, including the highest achievement: the International Bluegrass Music Association’s “Event of the Year” in 2008. Pati herself was also presented with the Boston Bluegrass Union’s, “Heritage Award” for the Music Industry for her substantial contributions to furthering bluegrass music in New England for over 30 years. In 2009, the International Bluegrass Music Association honored Pati with its highest individual recognition, the “Distinguished Achievement Award”, recognizing those in the bluegrass music industry who have fostered the music’s image with developments that broaden the genre’s recognition and accessibility. Pati’s passion and dedication to this event fostered relationships and developed a community. Eric Gibson of the Gibson Brothers Band from New York, shares,”Pati was one of a kind. Who has done more to present bluegrass in such a wonderful light in the Northeast, or anywhere, for that matter? Thomas Point Beach felt like a family reunion every year, such a warm and inviting atmosphere. She was always so kind to us and I am honored to have played her stage so many times. She made life better for a lot of people. Isn’t that what we’re supposed to do?”

Aside from Thomas Point Beach, she spent the off-seasons as a manager of Chateau de Tague at Sugarloaf/USA in Carrabassett Valley, and in Bank Management at Canal Bank in Portland.

An involved community member, Pati shared her talents with many throughout the years. Her local involvements include past Brunswick Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, The Parkview Memorial Hospital Citizen Advisory Board, past member International Toastmistress Club, a Hyde School “HAPA” Alumni” Parent, and the Advisory Board Member of the Gardiner Savings Institution. She served on the Board of the Crooker Foundation which restored the Chapel of Our Savior on Old Bath Road in Brunswick.

She was a loyal advocate for the American Cancer Society serving on the Bath/Brunswick Board of Directors, as a Volunteer Fundraiser. Her involvement in Daffodil Days became a springtime tradition that she looked forward to annually. Delivering flowers to cancer patients at medical centers and nursing homes throughout the Freeport, Bath, and Brunswick communities with her mother Marion was a highlight of this effort. Pati was also a Production Volunteer and performer with Crusade Capers, which was founded by her mother. She enjoyed 30 years of involvement with this event along with her brothers & sisters. It was a true family affair!

Pati was the Miss Maine Scholarship Pageant Executive Director in 1984 and 1985, and from 2005-2011 she was Treasurer and chaired the annual Springtime Gala. Her service to the Miss Maine Scholarship Pageant spanned over 30 years. She attended Miss America Pageants in Atlantic City and in Las Vegas, and volunteered at “A Day of Service” with the National Association of Miss America State Pageant Volunteers building homes for Habitat for Humanity with her son Michael.

For several years, she also served as the chairwoman of the American Red Cross Annual Gala Ball and Auction where she helped to raise thousands of dollars for the local chapter.

Pati had a passion for gardening. Anyone who has ever visited Thomas Point Beach has witnessed the glorious flower beds she planted throughout the park. Sunflowers were her favorite flowers, which is no surprise. Like Pati’s own vivacious smile and energy, no flower can lift someone’s spirits quite like sunflowers. She adorned her home with sunflowers, because they are bright and cheery, and as warm and inviting as the sweet summer sun she loved so much.

She possessed a strong work ethic that she passed on to so many that had the opportunity to work for her over the years at Thomas Point Beach. For many area students, Thomas Point Beach was a “first job” and the most important one for teaching hard work, dedication, and customer service. Thomas Point Beach staff became family, and many return year after year into adulthood.

Of all her accomplishments, she was proudest of being a mother to her son, Michael.

Pati received a spiritual baptism at the EastPoint Christian Church, in Portland, Maine.

She was predeceased by her parents and a brother, William C. Crooker.

Patricia is survived by a loving son, Michael J. Mulligan and his wife, Jennifer of Waterboro; three sisters, Beverly G. Butler of Brunswick, Valerie A. Clemens and her husband, Alvin of Pennsylvania., Candace C. Gregory and her husband Scott of Brunswick; three brothers, Franklin T. Crooker and his wife, Anne of Harpswell, Larry G. Crooker of Harpswell and Theodore D. Crooker and his wife Faith of Brunswick; 15 nieces and nephews and 9 great nieces and nephews, and 1 great-grandniece.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:00 am-1:00 pm and 6:00 pm-8:00 pm, Wednesday, June 22 at Brackett Funeral Home, 29 Federal Street, Brunswick. A private funeral for the family will be held at the Chapel of Our Savior, Old Bath Road, Brunswick. Interment will be at Harding Cemetery.

The family invites friends to gather for a celebration of her life at Thomas Point Beach, Meadow Road, on Saturday, September 3 beginning at 1:00 pm.

The family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, 1 Main Street, #300, Topsham, ME 04086.

Condolences to the family may be expressed, and a “Tribute” to her life viewed at www.facebook.com/pati.crooker