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Partners in Hope
Special friend & benefactor - Patricia Pat embraces a long-time devotion to St. Jude. As a young girl she read about St. Jude and became fascinated with stories of his unwavering faith and message of hope. Pat said that on many occasions through the years she has reached out to St. Jude and he has never failed her, always responding to her prayers with love, the strength to endure, and most of all—hope. Pat and her wonderful husband, Ted, were married for 54 years. Ted passed away two years ago, the day after celebrating their 54th wedding anniversary. Pat said that faith, commitment, and mutual respect solidified their bond of life and love for more than a half century. Pat and her family shared with us story after story about Ted, a loving husband, devoted father, and an extraordinary man. Ted and Pat have two wonderful daughters, Barb and Laurie. The girls told us, “Dad was the sun rising and setting to most, if not all, people who met him. Our girlfriends "adopted" our parents because they were the ideal. True blue, moral, upstanding, and just downright great to be around...and still are. Lucas asks to visit his grandfather’s grave, and always hugs it. Even in his little life, he misses Teddy Grampa.” They also shared that, “Dad had nicknames for all of us. Mom is Patsy, Barb is B-Bomb, Laurie Ann is Lollipop, Mandy is Cupcake, Molly is Muffin and Lucas is Luke the Duke. When Barb and I received the opportunity to work with and for our father when he still was active in his very successful business, there was no way we were passing that up. To see him "in action", taking pride in our business that was built by family, and that made history in the country and around the world...you can't get any better than that. He was a wonderful Dad, and Mom, his girls and the family business were his life.” For years, Ted served his profession, community and church as a member on many boards of directors. He helped raise funds for a local hospital and also to build a monastery for the Poor Clare Sisters. He was the recipient of the Liberty Bell Award for Outstanding Citizenship, Excellence in Business Award, Distinguished Citizen Award from the Boy Scouts of America, and was recognized by the Library of Congress as a Great American through an act of Congress. Ted’s life provided a legacy of love, service and honor that his wife, children and grandchildren will forever treasure. Mary Tyk and Barbara Blanke from the Claretian/National Shrine of St. Jude Gift Planning Center were very fortunate to spend an evening with this wonderful family (all except Mandy who was away at school). We had met most of them before but on this evening Pat introduced us to sons-in-law, Jim and Chris. It was truly an honor for us to spend time with this family. Pat’s faith, deep devotion to St. Jude, and love of family are an inspiration to all who meet her. She is a generous friend to the Claretians, who are grateful for her prayers and continued partnership. The thoughtful support Pat provides allows the Claretians to continue their important missionary efforts like those described in the stories in this newsletter offering hope to men, women and children most in need. Planned Giving |
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