"My sincere condolences to the family of Patti. She will be remembered for her great talent and dedication in guiding students as they pursued their educational goals. Patti was a valued professor and colleague as well as a good friend to all who knew her. Lanny Neider"
In loving memory of
Patricia L. Searles-Kelly
March 9, 1950 - August 26, 2019
Madison - Patricia L. Searles-Kelly passed away on Monday, August 26, 2019. Patti was born in Oceanside, New York on March 9, 1950, to Arthur D. and Jessie W. Searles. She is survived by her husband, Steven Kelly, and sisters Pamela Miller and Donna Searles. Patricia graduated from Garden City High School in New York. Her undergraduate degree was from the State University of New York at Buffalo (SUNY). Her Ph.D. in Social Psychology was from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Patti began her teaching as a graduate student at Ann Arbor and continued teaching at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale before taking a professorship at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Patti chaired the combined departments of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice at UW-Whitewater for many years before she retired in 2008.
Patti loved teaching Sociology and Women's Studies. She co-wrote sociology textbooks and published compilations of sociological articles. She taught self-defense group classes to women in her earlier years.
Patti married Steven Kelly on June 3, 1990. Patti and Steve met while ballroom dancing. They had many happy memories dancing together. One highlight was dancing as the General and his Wife in the opening scene of several Nutcracker Ballet productions in Madison.
A visitation for family and friends will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, on September 5, 2019, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. with a brief service at 6:00 p.m.
Donations to the Alzheimer's Association in lieu of flowers would be appreciated.
Cress Funeral & Cremation Services
3610 Speedway Road
(608) 238-3434
Tributes
"I am a student of Patti's from the late 1990's. I have fond memories of my sociology class with her - it was a wonderful semester with her. She was one of the best professors I had while attending UW-Whitewater. Please be assured of a special place in my prayers for her and all her family. We will offer a Mass for her here at St. Bernard. With love and sympathy, Fr. Michael Radowicz St. Bernard Catholic Church, Madison"