Patricia Ann Stronka

Patricia Stronka, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher, and friend was surrounded by her family as she passed on to be with her Lord in Heaven on Saturday, April 21, 2018, at her home in Chuluota, Florida at the age of 78.

A native of Buffalo, New York, she is the daughter of the late Thaddeus Bracikowski and late Sophie (Serafin) Bracikowski. Her surviving family includes: her daughter Joyce Roehner and son-in-law Mark Roehner and her two wonderful grandchildren Ashley Roehner and Tyler Roehner from Chuluota, Fl; her son John R. Stronka from Davie, FL; her loving sister Joan Kozierowski of Alden, New York, her niece Lynn Kordasiewicz and her children Chase and Chanel from Alden, NY; her nephew David Kozeirowski and his wife Lisa and their children Joelle and Vanessa from Cheektowaga, NY; and her close cousins Arlene (Jim) Underwood (Cape Canaveral, FL) and Ronnie (Shirley) Serafin from Grand Island, NY.

Her professional life spanned two full and very different careers. One at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, New York, where for over 20 years she worked with some of the most preeminent leukemia researchers of the time. And the other in Florida as a teacher at a private school in Seminole County, where she taught a computer class to children from grades 1-8 for over 15 years and was truly beloved by her students. She had a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Buffalo and a partially completed master’s degree in Political Science.

Pat decided to follow Joyce and Mark to Florida when her grandchildren were born and played a prominent role in their childhood and beyond. She was there with them nearly every single day of their lives, and they have not known a time when they wouldn’t have Grandma Pat to say “hello” to or to take them out for lunch and for an ice cream treat. For many years her grandchildren even attended the school where she taught, and she would act as their unofficial chauffeur before they could drive themselves. Her relationship with her grandchildren was special in a way that words cannot adequately describe.

A passionate horticulturist, Pat planted a large garden year-round and would tend to it daily. She loved to grow fruits and vegetables to share with her family, friends, and neighbors. She spent much of her non-work hours tidying up the landscape around the house or visiting the local nursery to discover new plants and acquire new ideas to enhance her garden. She knew the value of hard work better than most, and there was rarely a time when she wasn’t busy with one project or another.

Pat loved to crochet and often made blankets, hats, and decorations for her family and friends. She loved to learn and was an avid reader. She enjoyed taking rides out to the coast and eating lunch at a beachside restaurant. She was cherished by her family, friends, colleagues, and students. Her greatest treasure was knowing that she was able to teach her school children the lessons that would help guide them down the right paths for the rest of their lives.

Pat had a heart for serving the community and was a volunteer for HOPE Helps, a local non-profit who helps families in need. It is our wish that if you would like to consider a donation in memory of Pat Stronka please do so to HOPE Helps, so her legacy can live on and continue to help people in our community.

Click on the link and scroll to the In Memory section - https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E165483&id=5

Or go to the website www.hopehelps.org and click on the donation button, and scroll to the In Memory section