Patsy “Pat” Stoakes, 80 of Lincoln, NE passed away peacefully April 2nd, 2024. Spending her last days as she did the rest of her life, surrounded by family. She was born in Pocatello, ID September 19, 1943, to Elvin and Alva (Benson) Cornelison.  Pat lived her life full of grace and with a spirit of generosity, she was welcoming and kind to everyone. She saw the world through rose colored glasses, and embraced even things she didn’t initially understand. She was curious, passionate, and had a huge heart. She considered no one a stranger but all she met as family.  Pat said, “you don’t have to know everything, if you are kind to everyone”, but she also had a bit of an onery side and frequently said “It’s easier to ask forgiveness than permission”.

Pat was a lifelong hard worker; she was 5 years old when she got her first job herding sheep with her grandfather. She had a short-lived position as a bike ramp for her sister Dian. She also sold (mostly ate) popcorn at the theatre and worked at the plant in Mead, NE. Eventually she went to work at State Farm in Lincoln and had an impressive career that spanned 35 years. She was always generous in sharing her knowledge and treats, especially candy and homemade lemon bars, and if you ever got a corner one you were really special!  She barely skipped a beat when she retired in 2007 and went straight into volunteer work at Campbell elementary school. Pat was so proud of all her children, grand and great grandchildren. She loved traveling to see them play sports, more than once 900 miles to make a game. She loved feeding her adventurous spirit with family travels throughout the world.

She was preceded in death by her parents Al and Alva Cornelison, bother-in-law Mike Stoakes, sister Ceila Cornelison, son Mark Stoakes and grandson Jeremy Brede.

She is survived by her sisters Dian, Tuney, Nonie, Wynn, Melissa, brother Terry (Monica), children Teresa (Brian), Annette, Ric (Ranae), grandchildren Emily, Hannah (Chase), Leila, Aleni, Adisen, and great grandchildren Ethan, Emma, and Liam.