An icy and snowy Saturday in late January did not deter many from celebrating the 90th birthday of Patricia Czarnecki. Several hundred people braved the cold to meet and greet Jan. 24 in the Washington High School cafeteria in South Bend.
At times, the reception line was deep for a chance to get a hug, hear a story or sing the school song. No one left without a bit of love. Name tags were available for the group, but she knew nearly everyone.
Often there was an inside joke from 30 or 40 years ago or a check on a close relative.
For 90, she is nearly unstoppable and very independent. Always on the go and up for lunch, shopping and seeing family members. Friends would hope she would think twice about going and going. “I can’t sit at home. It keeps me going,” she said.
Patricia is known by Washington High alumni and most of the west side as Mrs. Pat. Many people only know her as Mrs. Pat. She worked as the high school’s office secretary for nearly 50 years, retiring in 2004. Before that, she was a student at the school, graduating in 1954 from the Sample Street school.
The former Washington became Ivy Tech. Today, there is a vacant lot.
In 1966, she married Ray Czarnecki who was her sweetie in high school. Ray died in 2019. After his death, she was determined to be as active as possible.
“I could sit home and cry, but I don’t want that,” she said. “There is too much to do.”
Friends say she is everyone’s godmother, the favorite aunt and the best neighbor ever. Retired English teacher Louise Drapek said Mrs. Pat is an important part of the school’s history. “She is Washington High. I had to be here.”
As the secretary, Mrs. Pat took students, athletes, teachers and staff under her wing. She has a special place in the hearts of cheerleaders because she was the sponsor/coach for years.
She calls them all “her kids.” Everyone knows her when she is running errands. She is greeted inside the grocery, drug store, restaurants and church. She hears ‘Hi, Mrs. Pat’ with every trip out of the house.
Mrs. Pat and her kids have an enduring friendship. She has sung for their weddings, attended showers and baked the best snickerdoodles in the city.
According to one story, she often hand-delivered cookies to Skylar Diggins at Notre Dame.
The band of former cheerleaders gave her a surprise party for her 80th birthday at her home. This time, there was more planning, according to Diane Sobecki Wood. “We wanted to have it in the gym, but that was not approved. The cafeteria was the best choice.”
Mrs. Pat said she accepted the offer for a day close to her Jan. 22 birthday.
Through the wonders of social media and Facebook shares, the word got around. Cards started to roll in. “I got 237 for my 80th. There will be a couple hundred this time.” More were being delivered each day, Mrs. Pat said. “If you have that phone in your hand, you knew about the party.”
Diane said their friendship goes back to when Diane was a baby and Mrs. Pat shopped at the Sobecki family grocery store, Sal Langer’s on Western Avenue.
Kathy Hanyzewski Bella worked in the office in high school and stayed friends. Kathy sees her frequently and knows that she wants to keep busy. “She is something. She is Washington, and she is proud of it.”
Don Bella said Mrs. Pat knows everyone and all the stories. “She is dedicated to the west side and each class. We are her extended family.”
Ed Somers said he has known Mrs. Pat his entire life. “We lived on the same street as a child. I got married and bought a house across the street. She sang in the church choir at Holy Family and I was the choir director. As a child, I knew her. As an adult, she is a dear friend.”
Paul Anastos said Mrs. Pat knows him from his time as a custodian at Washington. “Mrs. Pat would call on the radio for the building engineer. The engineer was designated as Number 10 on the call list. I would tell her I’m not 10 but I can give you an answer. To this day, Mrs. Pat refers to me as ‘Not 10.’ She knows my name, but she prefers this.”
Kathy Anastos said Mrs. Pat influenced a great many people. “She gave them guidance, directions. She is remarkable. No one knows how many people she has helped over the years.”
Missy Morris said she looked forward to seeing Mrs. Pat at Notre Dame basketball games. “She is such a bright spot.”
Patricia Rozmarynowski worked with Mrs. Pat for 25 years at Washington. “She sang at my wedding in 1964. She has been part of the west side her entire life. Of course, she should have party and a line to the door.”
Mrs. Pat spent the following day looking at cards.
“I loved seeing everyone,” she said.
Contact Kathy at [email protected].
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.southbendtribune.com ’
