Patricia W. Cautley

MADISON - Patricia Woodward Cautley, age 93, died peacefully on January 26, 2007 at Oakwood Village West-Hebron Oaks. She was born on January 16, 1914 in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania to Walter Roy and Martha Ellen (nee Patrick) Woodward. Pat grew up in the Pittsburgh area with her twin sister Polly, active in Girl Scouts. She was educated at the University of Michigan (A.B., M.A.), the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned a Ph.D. in psychology (1942). Patricia Woodward married Randolph Cautley at All Souls Church, Washington, D.C. on May 22, 1948. Pat and Ran moved to Cincinnati, where their children Eleanor and Daniel were born, then later to Columbus, Ohio and to Madison, Wisconsin in 1960. Pat and Ran shared a love of the outdoors and a commitment to humanist values. After several years of membership in the First Unitarian Society, Pat and Ran became founding members of the Prairie Unitarian Universalist Society in 1967. Pat was an active member and leader of Prairie until almost the end of her life, known for her warmth, ability to bring diverse viewpoints together, and concern for social justice throughout the world. Pat had a rewarding career in social psychological research, including work on the Food Habits Committee of the National Research Council during World War II and later work with school children in Cincinnati. Her concern for the welfare of children led to a series of research projects on factors related to successful foster home placements (1964-75), resulting in publication of manuals for social workers, training seminars, and a book titled New Foster Families: The First Experience. She then directed a project working to allow families with troubled children to remain intact. Later, Pat served for 8 years as Secretary General of the International Council of Psychologists. All of her work was informed by a desire to apply social science findings in positive ways to benefit society. Pat was a founding board member of the Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin, was active in the local chapters of the United Nations Association and the League of Women Voters, and supported several charities that focused on women’s issues, preservation of natural areas, and peace and justice. In 1992 she helped start the non-profit Global Express shop, selling United Nations cards and fair trade craft items. She wrote numerous letters to elected officials about her concerns for world peace. She loved gardening and water color painting. Pat spent many enjoyable spring and summer days hiking her wooded property in Juneau County, identifying and appreciating the wildflowers with her friends. Pat is survived by her two children, Daniel W. Cautley, Blue Mounds and Eleanor Cautley (J. Michael Blohm), Madison, and by her niece, nephews, and step-daughter’s family. Pat is also survived by a wonderful group of friends and former co-workers, including her Book Group and many Prairie UU Society friends. Pat was preceded in death by her dear husband, Randolph Cautley in 1969, her beloved twin sister Pauline Elizabeth (Polly) Nelson in 2000, and three nephews. The family wishes to thank Pat’s many caregivers who enriched her life and helped her enjoy her later years in spite of increasing frailty, including staff in the Oakwood RCAC, Hebron 2nd Floor, UW Health Geriatrics, Supportive Elder Services and HospiceCare. Pat’s full and gentle life will be celebrated in a memorial service at Noon on Saturday, March 3, 2007 at the FIRST UNITARIAN SOCIETY, 900 University Bay Drive, Madison, with a reception afterward. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Friends of the Arboretum (1207 Seminole Highway, Madison WI 53711), Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin (PO Box 2566, Madison WI 53701-2566), or the Prairie Unitarian Universalist Society (2010 Whenona Drive, Madison WI 53711).