Becky P's Album: Wall Photos

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Pat: My Nova Mom, mentor, and friend.

I met Pat back in 2010 at West Potomac HS. She was subbing in a Family and Consumer Science class. The first thought I had about Pat was that she actually reminded me so much of my own mom. Our friendship really took off when I used her to sub for my classes. Pat being a former Business Teacher, and me being very OCD, would not let just anyone take over my classes in my absence. She was an amazing educator, and my class used to love it when she subbed for me. Pat was known for her great stories and also bringing the students special treats, including doughnuts and pizza! We would get lunch about once a month at various places to catch up on life. She even missed teaching so much she came back from retirement!! I was so happy to have her back on the Business team at West Potomac. I know she said it was for insurance purposes, but I actually think she came back to fulfill her purpose in life - to teach.

Pat was such a great story teller. She would tell me stories of growing up in Del Ray with her sister, Kathy. She would tell me how much she admired her brother, Bobby. She would tell me about her mother and father, and just stories that would leave you belly laughing! One of my favorite stories is when she went on a first date with Wayne. They went to a concert and it poured down rain. Wayne gave her a towel to dry her face, but it had grease on it, thus her face was covered in grease. I confided in Pat, just like I would my mom. I ended up referring to Pat as my NOVA mom.

Well time passed, and I had my first baby. All the mothers reading this know how hard it is to transition with your first baby. Pat would just swing by and deliver meals unannounced. One morning I got a knock at the door, and there she was with a bag full of delicious bagels, and lots of spreads for me and my husband. I used to think she was like this special angel that just KNEW when I was down and needed help.

Well more time passed, and my family and I were in the process of moving to Richmond for a relocation. I had two babies now, and Pat was still very generous sending meals and making sure we were okay. Before the move, she came over to say her farewells, and I will never forget this evening. She handed me a card, and told me not to open it until later. So right as she left and got in her Honda Odyssey (that woman loved driving a minivan), I opened the card. She had written me a check for $1,000 to go towards our moving expenses. Again, there was that special angel.

A year later, Wayne passed. Pat missed him dearly. We would chat about once a week on the phone to catch up. Usually the calls lasting more than an hour. Once we started talking, it was just hard to stop. I would always ask her advice about things and appreciate her input on life. The summer of 2019, Pat told me to spend a week at her house down in Sunset Beach. We didn't have the money to vacation that summer, so after a little hesitation and her encouragement, we went. I am so thankful for this week. I got to spend time with her sister, brother in law, niece, Beth, and Beth's kids. This week was one for the books! We gained family that week, and I am forever grateful. My kids still talk about this week and wonder when Ash and Logan will babysit them. We even went to a local diner (very small hole in the wall type of place) and everyone there knew of Pat and Wayne. Just another example of the lasting impression this woman made.

Pat left an influential, lasting impression on my life. In the end, we all have an expiration date. It doesn't matter when, where or how you expire. The meaning of one's life is the legacy they leave behind. Pat impacted so many people's lives and the Lord used her for so much good on this Earth. She was a remarkable woman, and I know her legacy will live on through all of us. Pat, we know where to find you.

Until we meet again, my dear Pat.