Caitlyn Elizabeth (Patrie) Crane, 37, peacefully passed away on Friday, November 24, 2023 surrounded by her family.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at the Mason City Moose Lodge, 22 4th St NW, Mason City, Iowa, 50401.
Caitlyn was born Oct 7, 1986, near Fort Hood, Texas to Larry Patrie & Mary Katherine “Katy” McGinn. Her early years were spent on the base where her father was stationed while serving in the Army. Growing up, Caitlyn and her brother always managed to find some sort of mischief. Whether it be the time she sat in a fire ant hill or the countless attempts to give their Nanny a run for her money. In 1993, Caitlyn moved to Charles City, Iowa where she attended school at Lincoln Elementary. She went on to Charles City Middle School and Charles City High School graduating in 2005. While in school, Caitlyn tried her hand at volleyball, basketball, and tennis. She loved hanging out with friends and cruising Main Street. Throughout High School Caitlyn was employed at Kmart and Comprehensive Systems. After graduation, she attended Hawkeye Community College where she studied the HVAC program. In 2010, Caitlyn began working as a jailor for the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office. She enjoyed her job, taking pride in what she did. While employed there she formed lasting friendships and was excited to be joined by her big brother who became a Floyd County Deputy.
On September 5, 2017, as fate would have it, Caitlyn and Alec “Al” Crane’s paths intertwined, and an unbreakable bond was formed. Al describes Caitlyn as beauty in the rarest form and almost since the day they met, the two were inseparable. In early 2018, Caitlyn moved into Al’s home in Mason City and together they began to establish roots in the area, quickly finding several favorite restaurants during their day dates. Caitlyn was always up for weekend trips and any opportunity to travel with Al. She also took pride in being an aunt and always had fun hanging out with her nieces and nephews any chance she got. In true Caitlyn fashion, she had the ability to find happiness in even the smallest of things; whether it be watching movies or getting sucked into a marathon of crime shows. In her spare time, Caitlyn enjoyed throwing darts and cheering on the Hawkeyes. She would even trade in her Big Gulp of Dr. Pepper or Mt. Dew for a Bloody Mary on game days. Despite appearing quiet and reserved on the outside, Caitlyn was full of personality and always looking for an opportunity to make people laugh.
Caitlyn received the greatest title of her life “Mama” on April 6, 2019, when Haisley “Hais” Venice Crane was born. Hais instantly became Al and Caitlyn’s entire world. Very few things could steal Caitlyn’s time or attention away from her two greatest loves. Her favorite times were spent in the backyard with her little family, often swimming with Hais. It was also that very backyard where Caitlyn married her soulmate on April 8, 2023, during an intimate ceremony surrounded by close family and friends.
Fearless, brave, and courageous are words that only begin to describe Caitlyn’s personality. These very traits were proved tried and true when she received an earth-shattering cancer diagnosis in May of 2022. Despite every hardship thrown her way, she managed to always find the positive and could make light out of even the darkest days.
The weight of burden was lightened by so many people along the way. A special thank you to Hospice Care of North Iowa and Happy Haven who transformed Caitlyn’s bedroom into a tranquil place of peace and comfort. The family wishes to extend a debt of gratitude to the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office, Ben, Kris and the entire Poet Family, and Jane Fischer and her team for the countless ways they offered support.
Although Caitlyn’s family and friends feel there are so many chapters of her life left unwritten, they are reminded of just how big Caitlyn’s love for her family, friends and simple life was. Caitlyn’s story and legacy will be carried on by those she leaves behind; her soulmate Alec Crane and light of her life, daughter Haisley of Mason City; two cats Steven and Jillian “Jill”; sister Maggie Swanson of Charles City; brother Josh (Tara) Patrie of Charles City; brother Dylan McGinn of Charles City; father Larry (Tina) Patrie of Lansing, KS; mother Katy McGinn of Charles City; mother-in-Law Kelley O’Rourke (special friend Jeff Gribben) of Mason City; father-in-Law Rus Crane (special friend Nancy Morgan) of Iowa City; brother-in-law Sam (Tessa) Crane of Minneapolis, MN; sister-in-Law Chase (Curtis) Secrest of Des Moines; nieces and nephews Rylie, Raegen, Reese, and Rowen Patrie of Charles City, Bristol Swanson of Forest City, Ira Crane of Minneapolis, and Baby Everett Secrest due Jan 2024; and close family friend Jane Fischer.
May our forever sunflower rest peacefully.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Caitlyn (Patrie) Crane Memorial 2372 Calloway Ct, Mason City, IA 50401.
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