I am one of the many adopted family that absolutely adored Aunt Pat. She was always there with a smile and inquisitive mind asking questions that really made you take pause and think. She was always proud and excited to connect with those around her and teach them as she was the epitome of an educator. I did say adopted niece because I was there every summer when Elise (their niece) was and I was always welcomed and treated the same as her. I remember spending every waking minute with uncle Ivan and Aunt Pat and Elise. Talking about books, walking the entirety of bay lake road, introducing me to FIFA, and of course countless hours in the lake and on the barge. She was even Aunt Pat to my children. Whenever we came up, we did our best to stop in or swim over. (It was not a short distance). The love she had for all of us was immeasurable. She was also a constant support and was there for me when my mother passed... I am heartbroken at the loss of my aunt and friend, but at the same time I know she lived to the fullest. Her life was full of love and that gives me the most comfort.
When we told the kids my husband explained to them that the sadness we feel is just love lasting and while she is not in her body anymore we are all made of energy and like the love we feel it never dies, it transforms and becomes something different. I feel like Aunt Pat would have loved that.
Love you Aunt Pat and Uncle Ivan.... Always
Linds
I will miss you forever. Rest in peace. Thanks for being an amazing Auntie Pat. Xo
Love you more.
Patricia was a great friend: kind, friendly to all, supportive, spirited, enthusiastic and so much more. She quickly became a friend to everyone she met witnessed by the number of people who have reacted to her death. She was brave in the face of cancer witnessed by the brave fight she put up to stay with the loves of her life, Ivan, Chere and Jennifer. May she Rest In Peace.
We never really had the chance to get to know Pat personally but knew she was special because of the many great stories and obvious love for her that was shared by Lin and Elise (and Kai too!)
Pat was very much loved and will be dearly missed.