Patricia Ann Strobel

Pat was born in Nashville on February 3, 1942. She was one of 15 Holzapfel children raised in the shadow of Christ the King Catholic Church. Pat’s life was highlighted by her large and extended family, numerous friends, and her devout Catholic faith.

She was first and foremost a mother, a vocation Pat relished, worked at tirelessly, and was the best mom her children could have ever hoped for. She was a wonderful grandmother, wife, sister, aunt, daughter, cousin, and friend.

Pat was the best of all of us: a gracious woman who gave more than she was given; comforted more than she sought comfort; asked less of others than she gave to all; and loved deeply, fiercely, and unwaveringly – and her love was amplified and returned by her large family and many, many friends.

Pat smiled broadly. Laughed deeply. Hugged tightly. And with a twinkle from her eye, a tilt of her head, or a simple pat on the back, she made everyone feel like they were her favorite.

Pat attended Christ the King Elementary School and was a member of the first class to graduate from the newly constructed church. She graduated from St. Bernard Academy in 1960 and was Homecoming Queen.

After graduation, Pat took a job at Vanderbilt Hospital in the medical records division. She worked at the hospital for 52 years. She loved Vanderbilt and its nurses and staff, and appreciated that Vandy helped send each of her children to college, two of whom attended the university. A highly regarded colleague, Pat had a no nonsense work ethic, always showed up, and gave more than expected.

Pat’s home was a sanctuary of stability, consistency, and hospitality for her children, nieces and nephews, and the many friends and relatives who spent time there. The house was full of laughter and the door was always open. The number of people who called Pat their “second mom” or named themselves “the seventh Strobel” are too many to count. She opened her arms to all and welcomed each with warmth and a smile.

She loved to entertain her grandchildren with card games, doing puzzles, and a high point for each was birthday shopping trips with their grandmother. Pat was a cheerleader for her children and grandchildren, cheering loudly at 50+ years of sporting events, music shows, ballet performances, and more. She loved an underdog and savored victories by those who were given little chance of winning.

More than almost anything else in the world, Pat loved Christ the King Church and School. She was baptized at the church in 1942, made her first communion there in 1949, graduated in 1956, and was married there in 1965. Her faith was a constant source of strength. The church community was a second family. We take great solace in knowing that Pat heard God say to her: “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter now into the joy of the Lord.”

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Helen Morgan Holzapfel and Everett Bernard Holzapfel; and brother, Peter Thomas.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, M. Jerome “Jerry” Strobel; her six children, Amelia Strobel (Bob) Glenn, Martin (Ashley) Strobel, Merrill (Robbie) Bohren, Daniel (Carrie) Strobel, Margaret (Mark) Pyburn, and Morgan (Sara) Strobel; and 17 grandchildren: Tricia and Braden Glenn; Ann Gailor, Sullivan, Charlotte, and Gavin Strobel; Catherine Bohren; Alex, Ben, and Sam Strobel; Mary Catherine, Mark, Amelia, Helen, and Mimi Pyburn; and Andrew and Rosemary Strobel.

Throughout her life, Pat treasured her family, including: brothers and sisters Merrill (Ray) Hare, Paula (Bob, deceased) Long, Helen (John) Kohl, Everett (Mary Claire) Holzapfel, Carole (James) Donnelly, Theresa (Jack) Hughes, Dorothy (Dick) Sollee, Rita (Pat) Thompson, Morgan (Sally) Holzapfel, Cathy (Joe, deceased) Caldwell, Steve (Sue) Holzapfel, Susie (Terry) Rowland, Barbara (Bill, deceased) Hobbs, and John (Lisa) Holzapfel; in-laws Veronica (Tom, deceased) Strobel Seigenthaler, Rev. Charles Strobel, and Alice (Bob) Eadler; more than 70 nieces and nephews; and more than 1,000 cousins.

Visitation will be from 4pm to 7pm (Rosary at 7pm) on Tuesday, April 6, at Christ the King Church, 3001 Belmont Boulevard. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11am on Wednesday, April 7, at Christ the King Church. Immediately following, remains will be interned at Calvary Cemetery.

Pallbearers include her nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Helen & Everett Holzapfel Scholarship at Christ the King School, Christ the King Church, The Arthritis Foundation, Sisters of Mercy Nashville, or a charity of your choice.