ROCKPORT – Patricia A. “Pat” Start, 82, died Oct. 29, 2015, surrounded by her family at the Sussman House.

Born in Camden on March 17, 1933, she was the daughter of Russell W. Sr. and Nellie F. Crockett Staples.

On Aug. 25, 1950, she married Franklin O. “Sonny” Start Jr., in Rockport. The couple made their home in Rockport all their married lives. Sonny died June 16, 2005.

Pat was a loving and caring wife, mother and grandmother. She loved her TV, country and western music, and playing cards weekly with her sisters and sister-in-law.

In addition to her husband of 54 years, Pat was predeceased by her sister, Shirley Knight; her brothers, Lt. Col. Ralph Staples and Russell “Sonny” Staples Jr.; her sisters-in-law, Jean Staples and Geraldine Moody; and her brothers-in-law, Maynard Knight and John Moody. She is survived by her son, Dana Start; and a granddaughter, Tricia Start, both of Rockport; a grandson, Tobias Lawry and his wife, Christine, of Dana Point, Calif.; her sister, Dot Carroll and her husband, Royce, of West Rockport; a sister-in-law, Helen Staples of Rockland; a great-granddaughter, Helena Lawry of Dana Point, Calif.; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; as well as a close friend whom she considered as a sister, Zettie Matthews of Union.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit Saturday, Oct. 31 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. A service in honor of Pat's life will be held Sunday, Nov. 1 at 2 p.m. at West Rockport Baptist Church, 545 Park Street. The Rev. Dr. David English will officiate. Interment will follow in Sea View Cemetery on Russell Avenue in Rockport.