Mary Patricia 'Pat' Hill

MARY PATRICIA "PAT" BARKER HILL

Cedar Rapids

Mary Patricia "Pat" Barker Hill, 85, the "Wicker Lady," of Cedar Rapids, passed July 3, 2021, after failing health and dementia at Cottage Grove Place in Cedar Rapids, where she had resided since 2018.

Pat was born March 21, 1936, into a family life that was not easy in her early years but parlayed that experience into a fierce determination to succeed, and that she did, and always with a kindness of spirit and a sweet demeanor. She leaves behind a legacy of five children, nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and a popular business, which she founded and closed upon retiring in 2015.

A lifelong Catholic, she was born into a large family, became homecoming queen at Immaculate Conception High School, from where she was graduated in May 1954, then married the dashing Walter "Walt" Hill in August, and in those early years of marriage, gave birth to five children. She was one busy mom, seemingly always surrounded by little ones and loving it. It was challenging, though, in those first years but she kept going sacrificing much for her kids.

Pat had an active mind. She became attracted to antique wicker and began reading up on it and hunting it out in diverse places. Through the years, she became a self-taught expert on the subject and an idea came to her: Why not open an Antique Wicker shop, to share her love of vintage wicker and add to the family income? She did, and the "Antique Wicker" shop was born, located on Third Avenue SE, close to Pat's beloved "I.C." Church. Soon she added gifts and the shop became known for its quality, both in the pristine wicker she sold, and the array of gifts she bought at market annually.

Forever the grass roots entrepreneur, Pat added a Tea Room, and customers loved to visit the newly named Antique Wicker Hill & Tea Room, a shopping paradise for antique wicker and a lovely, quaint luncheon spot. Walt was a "silent" but indeed, working partner, making sure the antique wicker was in the first-class shape that Pat required. Later they sold that building and moved the shop and Tea Room to Marion, where they lived. Pat retired in 2015.

She was happy to share the beauty of her antique wicker in several home cover stories in The Gazette, including one of the couple's cabin in Independence, charmingly decorated in full wicker! This lady from a humble beginning had a rich sense of style and whether home, shop, cabin or Tea Room, the rooms glowed in loveliness. Likewise, she always dressed smartly, her bracelets and rings the finishing touch to a chic outfit!

Pat and Walt made a remarkable team: Both coming up in with hard way backgrounds and harboring a stubborn determination to "make it." Pat was one of seven children and Walt, one of 10. Walt formed his own auto glass business, which also became a successful name in the city. They were married for 63 years until Walt's death in 2018. His demise affected Pat deeply.

Her friendly personality and natural warmth made Pat popular in both social and business circles. She was especially proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, often pointing out their accomplishments to friends. She loved each of her children dearly and had a special bond with each one.

Pat Barker Hill was "old school," and as the saying goes, "they don't make them that way anymore."

Pat is survived by her children, Joseph (Yolanda) of San Diego, Calif., Kay (Mike) Meaney of Waterloo, Iowa, Dennis (Joan Schlenk) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Gregory (Renee) of Marion, Iowa, and William (Lisa) of Johnston, Iowa. There are nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She had a host of friends, especially her classmates of the I.C. Class of 1954, with whom she kept in touch.

Pat was preceded by her mother, Nellie Quaid Barker; father, Joseph Barker; two sisters, Marie Whalen and Mary Ellen White Dolan; and four brothers, Jack, Robert, Glenn and James Barker. The "baby" of the family, Pat was the last to succumb.

The family thanks the staff of Cottage Grove Place for its tender and attentive care of Pat, as well as Compassus Hospice.

Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Friday, July 9, at Immaculate Conception Church, Third Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 8, at the Cedar Memorial Chapel Stateroom. Burial held at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

If you wish, flowers would be welcomed but memorials may also be made to Immaculate Conception Church, 857 Third Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403.

May you rest in peace at long last, Mom. You were the greatest! Love you. Joe, Kay, Dennis, Greg, & Bill

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.