Patricia Arden Vaux Volk, animal rights activist

Patricia Arden Vaux Volk, 89, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away Saturday, Aug.12, 2017, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes, after a long and valiant battle with heart and lung disease and cancer. She was born Saturday, March 17, 1928, in Ithaca, N.Y., daughter of the late Charles Lair and Marion (Mathuse) Vaux.

Pat worked as a bookkeeper for the New Orleans Museum of Art until the age of 78, after which she retired to Rehoboth Beach.

She was married for 20 years and had four children who were the loves of her life. Pat also loved her pets, and became a passionate animal rights advocate and a vegetarian in 1984. She was dedicated to animal rights campaigns when she lived in New Orleans, La., from 1984-2005. Pat was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew her.

In addition to her parents, Pat was preceded in death by her daughter, Patti Sue Volk. She is survived by her children: David Charles Volk, Doreen Patricia Volk, and Michael Anthony Volk; her nine grandchildren; and her eight great-grandchildren.

Services and burial will be private. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Lewes.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Pat's memory to Brandwine Valley SPCA Spay and Neuter Clinic, 22918 Dupont Boulevard, Georgetown, DE 19947, or www.bvspca.org.

Please visit Pat's Life Memorial Webpage and sign her online guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.