Those of you who knew Pat may remember her for her strength and spiritual foundation. She was to many, a friend of unquestionable loyalty who loved us enough to always speak the truth and demand it from us. We recall her kindness, and an everpresent sense of humor that never left her even as she battled this dibilitating illness over several years.

Pat's entire Federal career was dedicated to serving EPA Region 5. She started in May 1986 as a GS-6 Secretary in the Water Division, Safe Drinking Water Branch and became the Great Lakes National Program Office Secretary as a GS-8 in May 1993. Since 1995, her most recent contributions occurred in the Resources Management Division in increasingly responsible roles culminating in her last position as a Facilities Specialist GS-12.

Pat also served her workplace and community through her active participation and leadership in the Human Resources Council, Multicultural Diversity Workgroup, Secretarial Advisory Committee, Federal Woman Program Chair, Black Employment Program and Blacks in Government.

I shared a story with Pat last summer as I sought to lift her up through its message. She actually lifted me up as she echoed its sentiment in telling me on many occasions how important it was to greet each day as a precious gift that should be unwrapped slowly and savored like the irreplaceable blessing that it was. We all shall personally strive to remember this lesson and with each remaining sunrise embrace its wisdom. She was our Treasurer, our Mentor, our Peacemaker and wise chapter/villiage griot. She will be forever missed, and remembered always.