Patricia A. Hobbs

September 3, 1934 - January 22, 2025

Patricia (Pat) Ann Hobbs, beloved mom, grandma, and community leader, passed on to the heavens on January 22, 2025. She was born in Alma, Michigan on September 3, 1934 to Edith Rhynard (Sibley) a schoolteacher, and Jasper Rhynard, who owned Shell Gasoline and Firestone stores.

Pat was both student council president and drum major at Ithaca High School. In her late teens, Pat met the love of her life, Gary Hobbs, at a local skating rink. They were married in 1953 while Pat was attending Michigan State Normal College, now Eastern Michigan University. She graduated in 1956 with a degree in Occupational Therapy. After graduation, Pat and Gary moved for his service in the U.S. Army and then for Gary's pharmacy career, eventually settling in the Cocoa Beach / Merritt Island area. She served as an OT in a hospital polio ward in college and owned an arts and crafts store in Cocoa Village. She and Gary opened Hobbs Pharmacy on Merritt Island in 1964, where she worked alongside him in the early years.

Pat poured her love and energy into her family and community. She raised four children - a daughter Julia and three sons Brad, Mark, and Craig - in homes on the Banana River and Indian River. Pat excelled at many artistic crafts including painting, knitting, crochet, cross stitch, stained glass and quilting - and often shared her talents with others through teaching or giving. She was civically engaged at Merritt Island Presbyterian Church (Elder), Merritt Island Women's Club (three-time President), and Delta Zeta Sorority Alumni Group. She also loved to golf and travel. Upon Gary's retirement, Pat and Gary set off in their motor home to various destinations across the U.S. They built a family cabin in Blowing Rock, NC and spent summer in the mountains and winters on the Island. Pat loved helping at church, visiting her children and grandchildren, and having an evening appetizer with Gary on their dock overlooking the river. She will be remembered as a talented artist, an engaging storyteller, and - above all - a caring mother and grandmother.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, her step-sister, Kay, and her husband, Gary. She is survived by a dear brother, Chuck, her four children and their partners, five grandchildren, and one great grandchild. The family would like to thank Hampton Manor and Health First Hospice for their care of Pat in her last years and days. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 10am at Merritt Island Presbyterian Church. At Pat’s request, those who wish to remember her may make gifts to the Merritt Island Presbyterian Church Preschool (600 S. Tropical Trail, Merritt Island, FL 32952).