Patricia Ann Podlipec, 82, of Hendersonville, NC passed away on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at the Carolina Village Medical Center. She was born in 1938, in Owensboro, KY to the late Kenneth and Dorothy Estes. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Frank Robert Podlipec in 2017.
Patricia graduated from Murray State University in the class of 1959. She met Frank on a blind date in Cincinnati and in 1961 they were married. They had two boys and moved around some, landing in Berlin, Wisconsin where Pat taught 1st grade for 27 years. Frank and Pat retired to Hendersonville NC in 1999, where they had lots of adventures and made many fine friends. She was a published poet, a pianist, and a member of the Old Tyme Strummers Dulcimer Group. Patricia was an avid Mahjong player, and a member of the Southern Lights Square Dance Club and the Senior Friendships.
Left to cherish her memory are her sons, John Podlipec (wife Rebecca) of Chapel Hill, NC and Mark Podlipec (wife Therese) of Shrewsbury, MA; grandchildren, Nicole and Brooke Podlipec of Shrewsbury, MA and Jett Tolar of Chapel Hill, NC; her sister, Jill Dantic of Owensboro, KY; her nieces, Tammy Boling, Leah Murray and Andrea Crabtree; and sister-in-law, Kathy (husband Richard) of Kansas City, MO.
We are sorry, but we will not be having a service at this time due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.
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Post an EventCelia H. Miles posted on 2/7/21
Patricia contributed to three of the anthologies of western NC women writers--beautiful and memorable poems; she came to the writers' parties, always a graceful, most pleasant, highly creative woman. "Blue Dome Cathedral" to "Women's Spaces Women's Places" in 2011. She was an inspiration in her writing and her presence. I am sorry to hear of her death.
Marge Goethe posted on 2/3/21
I am Frank's cousin and first met Pat on a double date when I visit Frank's family in Cincinnati. The next time we visited Chicago's MoS&I on the same day. We attended a family wedding in Virginia. Jerry and I tried to visit when we vacationed in Ashville, but Pat & Frank were gone on a retreat. What a disappointment. Nevertheless Christmas cards became a tradition.
Tom and Pam Powlas posted on 1/28/21
Frank and Pat were our wonderful neighbors for 10 plus years in Cimarron Forest. If you needed either one, there were there in true neighbor fashion. Pat always made us laugh with her wry way of looking at situations. And it was always interesting to see the next project Frank had in their yard. We were sad to see her move after Franks death but knew it was a better place for her at Carolina Village. They were a wonderful couple. May sweet memories sustain your family
Jeanette & Bob Schmitt posted on 1/28/21
We were so very sorry to hear the heartbreaking news about Pat Podlipec and wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the family. Although in a better place and reunited with her wonderful husband, Frank, she will be dearly missed! We can't think of a nicer and more fun-loving couple than the two of them when we were square dancers at the Southern Lights Dance Club for many years! Spending quality time and sharing many experiences and laughs together was awesome! Pat was a real sweetheart in her own special way and just as kind as she was beautiful! Her loving smile and charming ways will always be in our heart. It was both a privilege and honor to know the Podlipecs. Now that they are both together, they will be two bright and shining stars in God's holy kingdom looking down on their dear family and friends. Just know that we love you, miss you, and send "yellow rocks" to both of you until we meet again.
Jan Spicka posted on 1/27/21
So sorry to learn of Pat's death When I lived in Hendersonville we shared fun over the mah jongg table and discussing books in our book club. She was a lovely lady with a kind and pleasant way about her. She will be missed.
Ruth and Jim Dobson posted on 1/26/21
Ruth and Jim Mark and John and families I am glad for the celebrate card. Pat was a great friend and really missed her when she moved to NC. Church, walks, sub teaching for her, New Year's parties playing games, and so many more memories with Pat. She was such a gentle and caring person! We kept in touch with e-mails and letters! You have our sympathy during this sad time!
Shanti Kudva posted on 1/26/21
Thank you for the beautiful card! The poem tells the story of Pat's deep faith and the strength with which she endured loss and illness. I knew Frank and Pat from exercise classes at the Hendersonville Racquet Club and we reconnected with Pat when she moved to Carolina Village. She was always cheerful and we had conversations about the times we shared in the past. She was a gentle soul with a joyful spirit. My condolences to the family and wishes for peace during this sad time.
Gloria & Bernard Jaffe posted on 1/24/21
we always looked forward to the Podlipec annual golf & tennis party, Pat was a good hostess.. miss both of them..our deep sympathy to all the family.
Ted and Gerry Williamson posted on 1/24/21
Mark, John and families, thank you so much for the remembrance card for your mom. We first met your parents when we joined First Methodist Church together. A few years later we were neighbors. Always enjoyed talking with Pat and Frank when walking in the neighborhood. Frank enjoyed tennis and really had fun playing mixed doubles. Your mom was such a gentle soul, and you chose a perfect poem to express her gentle nature. We will miss both Pat and Frank. Ted and Gerry Williamson
Debbie Dean posted on 1/24/21
I am so sorry to hear of The passing of Pat. I worked with her at Clay for many years. She was always kind and caring. She will forever have a special spot in my heart.
Marge Bjork posted on 1/23/21
Thank you for sending the Memorial Card notification. My condolences to you. Pat and I were friends in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin when Frank worked for Boy Scouts of America in Eau Claire. John and Mark played with my boys Kurt and Brad as little boys. We all attended Trinity United Methodist Church and our children were in Sunday School together. Pat and I were stay at home moms and often had afternoon coffee together. This was in the 1970's. Good memories. We stayed in contact on birthdays and Christmas. All the best to your family.
Wilbur F Palmer posted on 1/23/21
I too have known Pat & Frank for 20+ years. She was a wonderful lady and dear friend. We shared the same birthday and never let each other forget that day. I enjoyed all the gatherings we had together. She was a good square dancer and had her hands full keeping Frank line, as well as other things. She will be missed and I extend my condolences to the entire Podlipec family. Rest in peace with Frank.
Herb and Eleanor Spies posted on 1/23/21
Pat and Frank were wonderful friends, and we enjoyed the many trips to the Hendersonville Little Theater with them, always following a dinner at a local restaurant. We enjoyed her published book regarding her family life as well as many of her poems. Her passing, as well as Frank's, leaves a BIG hole in our hearts.
Darlene Horst posted on 1/23/21
Thank You John & Mark for the special memory card in honor of your dear mother. A beautiful tribute! We belonged to the same Bible study group in Berlin and shared her faith that provided strength and grace. You may remember Frank and I played together in many a tennis tournament! My Christmas card to Pat was returned so I really am grateful for your update and extend my sympathy and love to you and all her family!
Gary and Pat Bowen posted on 1/22/21
We first met Pat and Frank at an exercise class in Hendersonville. We were new to town and they made us feel so welcome. They introduced us to square dancing and Tennis. They hold a prime spot in our hearts and of Hendersonville.
Frank Michalek posted on 1/22/21
I wish to extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to the entire Podlipec family . I was marrried to Carolee Fokta Michalek a cousin of Pat and Frank. Thank you kindly for notifying me. I lost Carolee in 2017 also. We have many memories of. Good times spent.May The the entire Podlipec familly be blessed and safe. Dr. Frank H Michalek
Kathy and Jack Keefer posted on 1/17/21
We've enjoyed so many wonderful times with Pat & Frank over the past 20 + years as friends and neighbors. Pat was truly an incredible woman. We've enjoyed many social gathering with her and enjoyed both her company and humor. Our condolences to the entire family.
Darwin and Jan Jones posted on 1/16/21
So very sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. Pat and Frank were our neighbors for many years. And while Pat reminded me of a delicate bird, she was a tough cookie. Always out walking, happy to stop and chat, and her wonderful sense of humor still makes me smile. We will miss you Pat.
Loret Giuffre posted on 1/15/21
Just remembering good times with you and Frank.
Otis & Ramona Miracle posted on 1/15/21
Ever since you moved from Berlin WI we still kept close contact with Christmas greetings. Still remember all the New Year's Eve parties and other celebrations we had together while we were neighbors. Joyce Collier sends her condolences as well as Jodi Kalkis. We will miss seeing family pictures in her Christmas letter.
Lenore Barnett posted on 1/14/21
Another member of the same Book Club as mentioned before, I always admired Pat for her grace, sweetness, and gentle demeanor. My condolences to her sons who I know will miss the lovely lady she was.
Barbara Orolin posted on 1/14/21
Pat and I were members of the same Book Club and Mah Jongg group. She will be missed by all of us. Sincere condolences to Mark, John, and all of Pat’s family.
BETH and WAYNE WESSON posted on 1/14/21
Pat was a beautiful lady inside and out. We were friends for the last 20 years here in Hendersonville and enjoyed may activities, games groups, and parties together. Her Christian values always pulled her through some difficult times. Her grace and beauty will always be remembered.
Andrea Christian posted on 1/14/21
I will miss a neighbor and Mah Jongg player.
Nancy Koski posted on 1/12/21
Patricia was a dear friend and I miss her so much! My sincere condolences to her sons and other family members. Pat was fun to know and we enjoyed playing dulcimer and our many visits together over the past few years. She was a kind, lovely person, and easily made friends. Pat will be missed by all who knew her.
“All aspects of service to be provided were explained in detail in a calm and reassuring way.”
Kathryn Gray posted on 2/27/21
Pat was the best sister-in-law anyone would want. she loved my brother and that was enough for me. We had some good times visiting back and forth while our kids were small. Phone conversations always left me smiling even when I knew Pat was in pain. Her smile and amazing funny stories will pop up in my mind when I least expect it. These memories help me in my sorrow of the loss of my brother and sister-in-law.