Patricia Ann Saikowski

Patricia Ann Saikowski (80) Passed away Thursday, May 25, 2023, of Springfield, VA. Loving wife of John J. Saikowski Jr.; loving mother to Ann Stukey (Greg), Mary Scollard, John J. Saikowski III (Amie), Amy Wickham (Brian); sister to Mary Aubel, John Moran (Kathryn Mary), and her late brother William (Billy) Jr.; grandmother to 7; great-grandmother to 10. She will truly be missed by many. Patricia, known to close friends and family as “Patsy” and most others as Pat, was born in Carbondale, PA, daughter of William F. Moran and Mary A. Norton Moran. Pat, one of four children, was a graduate of Benjamin Franklin High School in Carbondale, PA. She met John, her husband of 55 years, while he was attending the University of Scranton. While they grew increasingly fond of each other, they chose not to rush into any long term commitment upon John’s graduation from college. “If it was meant to be it would happen.” John’s initial assignment after basic officer training was to the 3rd Armored Division in West Germany. After nine months away from Pat, John realized it was “meant to be” and proposed marriage long distance. Pat and John were married in Saint Rose of Lima Church in Carbondale, PA on December 30, 1967. Immediately following the wedding, Pat and John returned to West Germany and in late 1968, John received orders for Vietnam whereupon, Pat, who was expecting their first child, returned to her parents in Carbondale, PA. About three weeks after John arrived in Vietnam, Pat delivered their first child Ann who John got to meet one year later. Pat had the help of her parents while John was in Vietnam and took a job in Carbondale, saving her hard earned money to buy John a piano, which she presented to him upon his return to “the world.” John will remember Pat every time he sits down at that keyboard. Pat and John lived in many different places over John’s 20+ year military career, including, but not limited to Michigan, California, West Germany, Aberdeen, MD and ultimately Springfield, VA. In each of these places Pat was an active participant in the Officers’ Wives Clubs and Catholic Church organizations such as Catholic Women of the Chapel. Her banana bread was a staple at many of the functions she participated in. Of Pat and John’s four children, Ann and Mary were born in Carbondale, PA, John III in Mount Clemens, MI and Amy in Frankfurt, West Germany. Over the course of her marriage, Pat remained a stay at home mother, carefully nurturing her children to ensure they grew into responsible adults. Pat was very much involved in her children’s lives and extracurricular activities: Among other things, she was a chauffeur and cheerleader coach who, never having driven a standard shift vehicle, conquered the Volkswagen bus 4-speed stick shift, something to behold! She and her children’s teachers and school administrative staff were on a first name basis. Pat kept a keen eye on the children’s whereabouts and what they were doing. Very little escaped her. Pat ran the household like a well-oiled machine, always having a full and hot sit down dinner ready each day when John and the children arrived home. When John retired completely, Pat and John spent their winters at their condo in Vero Beach, Florida, where Pat mastered the art of smart shopping, always finding a great deal. Pat always looked forward to visits from her children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, welcoming them with a big hug and open arms. Her family was her life. Unfortunately, Pat was encumbered with medical issues her entire life, being asthmatic since childhood and developing COPD later in adulthood. She carried her cross well, never complaining and always concerning herself with the wellbeing of others. Over the past year and a half Pat suffered multiple bouts of pneumonia, fighting back after each episode until she could fight no more. May she rest in peace. Relatives and friends may call at Jefferson Funeral Chapel, 5755 Castlewellan Drive, Alexandria, VA 22315 on Thursday, June 1, 2023, 5-8PM. Funeral service to be held at Ft. Belvoir Woodlawn Chapel, Ft. Belvoir, VA 22020, Friday, June 2, 2023, at 11AM. Interment will be held Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in her honor to a charity of your choosing. ** Those attending service on Base at Ft. Belvoir must enter via Tulley Gate entrance to receive guest pass from visitor center. (unless you have Military ID) **

Tributes

Patricia Ann Saikowski

April 22, 1943 - May 25, 2023