Patricia A Blydenburgh

Patricia “Pat” Blydenburgh, 82, passed away on November 29, 2025, surrounded by the family she loved so deeply. Pat was born on July 9, 1943, in Southampton, New York, to Frank and Helen Marcincuk, both of whom predeceased her.

Pat graduated from Southampton High School in 1961 and continued her education at Vermont College, earning her associate’s degree in 1963. She then spent a year at SUNY New Paltz with dreams of becoming an elementary school teacher—dreams she fulfilled after completing her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Long Island University Southampton College in 1967.

It was at LIU, in a geology class in the fall of 1966, that Pat met the love of her life and best friend, Neil. They were married on July 1, 1967, beginning a partnership rooted in devotion, laughter, and unwavering loyalty. For Pat, Neil was truly her hero, her companion in every adventure, and the center of her world.

Pat began her teaching career as a first-grade teacher at Roanoke Avenue Elementary School in Riverhead, NY, where she taught from 1967 to 1970. In 1970, she joyfully stepped away from the classroom to begin her greatest calling—motherhood. She and Neil welcomed their son, Jim, in December 1970 and their daughter, Jill, in December 1971, and together they raised their family in East Quogue, New York. As her family grew, Pat welcomed her daughter-in-law, Kelly, and her son-in-law, Dan, each of whom she cherished as her own. In time, she became an adoring grandmother to Laura and Carrie, the beloved daughters of Jill and Dan—a role that brought her immeasurable joy. Her family was the heart of her life, and she approached that role with pride, humor, and endless, unconditional love.

A gifted home chef, Pat poured her soul into the kitchen. Her signature dishes were treasured family favorites that she prepared with love year after year. Her Polish-Ukrainian heritage shaped her cooking with warmth and tradition. Cooking was her love language, a simple and heartfelt way she showed her devotion. Her baking brought equal joy, especially her banana bread that her family looked forward to year after year. At Christmastime, her homemade Venetian cookies and almond pinwheel cookies became a much-loved annual gift to teachers, friends, neighbors, the mailman—anyone fortunate enough to be in Pat’s circle.

Pat’s creativity extended far beyond the kitchen. She was a gifted quilter whose work became treasured keepsakes for family and friends. She began quilting in the mid-1990s, teaching herself the craft with remarkable dedication. Pat loved attending quilt shows, studying patterns, and gathering inspiration, and she even entered several contests—earning ribbons for her beautiful, meticulously crafted designs. She also created one-of-a-kind family Christmas ornaments each year, lovingly made from Long Island duck eggs—unique treasures her family looks forward to hanging on the tree every holiday season. Each quilt and ornament she crafted was a true reflection of her patience, talent, and love.

In 2001, Pat and Neil moved to Florida, where she embraced each day as though she were “on vacation.” Her Punta Gorda home was one of her greatest delights, especially the view from her lanai, where she loved sitting poolside and watching the lake sparkle like “diamonds” in the sunlight. She loved adventuring with Neil—sailing through the Caribbean and visiting the charming, lively spots dotting the Gulf Coast, always happiest at his side. She enjoyed gathering with her Florida circle for lunches, celebrations, and watching Neil’s softball games. Pat also loved attending 50s concerts, entertaining friends, and dinners out on the water. Visits from Jim and Kelly, Jill and Dan, and her granddaughters brought her tremendous joy—enriching her days with laughter, heartfelt conversations, and the deep warmth of family. She had a deep affection for their dog, Joey—lovingly called her little “Poopsis”—who brought her so much happiness.

Pat will be remembered for her zest for life, her love of dressing up and celebrating, her generosity, and the hint of sass that made her uniquely unforgettable. Her laugh—warm, unfiltered, and absolutely contagious—was a soundtrack of comfort for everyone who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of honesty, kindness, resilience, and deep love.

She will be profoundly missed and forever cherished by her family and all who had the privilege of sharing life with her.

Service Information

A visitation and celebration of Pat’s life will be held on Thursday, December 11, from 1:00–4:00 PM, at: Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Homes & Cremation Services 635 E. Marion Ave Punta Gorda, FL 33950 941-639-1133 www.kayspongerpg.com