Obituary of Patricia A. Szarzynski

Patricia (Pat) A. (Stokes) Szarzynski, age 75, passed away in her sleep on July 18th, 2012 at TMC Peppi’s House in Tucson, Arizona following a courageous battle with cancer. Pat was born January 7th, 1937 in Mount Clair, New Jersey to the late William J. and Olive (Ward) Stokes of Naugatuck, Connecticut. Pat graduated from Naugatuck High School in 1954. Pat went on to serve in the United States Air Force where she was to eventually meet her life long friend and husband of 56 years, Thomas L. Szarzynski. After serving in the Air Force, Pat and Tom married and took residence in Naugatuck, Connecticut. Pat and family then relocated to Tucson, Arizona, Chicago, Illinois, Cherry Hill, NJ, back to Chicago and to eventually retire in Tucson, Arizona in 1994. During this time Pat would raise 9 children. Pat thoroughly enjoyed her children often volunteering or attending many of the kids activities that included sports fund raising dances, cheerleading coaching, school and family events. Pat was loved by everyone who met her and often would be looked upon like a mother by friends of her kids. Pat worked for many years at Sears, in Waterbury, Ct and in Chicago, Illinois, as an accounts receivables representative. Pat would later work as a credit and collections agent for several organizations in Tucson, Arizona. Most important, Pat loved life, often just wanting to be with family and friends. She enjoyed going to the horse track, going to Las Vegas and Atlantic City shows. Pat loved to paint and listening to Frank Sinatra and Tom Jones to name a few of her favorite musicians. Pat’s fondest memories were those involving her kid’s accomplishments and events in life. Patricia, along with her husband, was a member of St. Frances De Sales parish. Pat is survived by husband Thomas and her nine children including Thomas and Annita Szarzynski (Bainbridge Island, Wa), Bonnie and Jim McIsaac (Tewksbury, Ma), William and Debbie Szarzynski (Richmond, Va), Mark and Debbie Szarzynski (Effort, Pa), Paul and Monette Szarzynski (Mt. Prospect, Il), Jim and Marion Szarzynski (Naugatuck, Ct), Tara and Jack Demkovich (Algonquin, Il), David and Christine Szarzynski (Elk Grove Village, Il) and Douglas Szarzynski (Joliet, Il): 17 grandchildren and 1 great grand child. She is survived by her two sisters Eileen Stokes Rupsis (Beacon Falls, Ct) and Marianne Stokes Hearns (Stroudsburg, Pa). Visitation will be held at 9:30am on Saturday July 21st, 2012 at St. Francis De Sales Church 1375 S. Camino Seco in Tucson, Arizona with Mass to be said at 10:00AM. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made in Patricia’s name to the following institutions of choice: • TMC Hospice Endowment at www.Tmcfoundation.org • St. Francis De Sales Church of Tucson • American Cancer Society