Patricia W. V. S. Hartel

She is remembered as a lovely lady, beautiful friend, loving mother, and wife who now soars with the angels.

Patricia had a remarkable career as an award-winning features journalist, writing for various newspapers in Maryland and Pennsylvania, such as The Ellicott City News, The Suburban & Wayne Times, TV Guide, and The Main Line Times. Her inquisitive nature shone through in her long-running interview show on Channel 21 in Wayne, where she engaged with authors, business leaders, and Pennsylvania politicians, fearlessly asking the crucial questions that mattered to her community. Later, she transitioned to a successful career in real estate, where she continued to make meaningful contributions.

Born in 1934 in Baltimore, MD, Patricia was raised by her loving mother and grandparents in Frederick County, Maryland, where her grandfather served as an Episcopal minister. After graduating from Frederick High School in 1951, she furthered her education at Mary Washington College in Virginia. She graduated with a degree in English and Liberal Arts from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 1955. Pat also had a passion for theatre arts, delighting in memorable summers at the Playmakers Repertory and the Outdoor Theatre productions of Unto These Hills and Horn in the West, where she met her future husband, a Duke University graduate, Arthur Hartel, Jr. After graduating from college, she sang in a cabaret in Washington D.C. before she and Art were married and moved back to North Carolina so he could attend Law School.

In 1958, they returned to Washington, D.C., and Pat went to work for the Finnish Embassy as the Aide to the Press Secretary. A dedicated mother, Patricia balanced family life with her early career. She was active with her husband in the Young Republicans and began her journalistic endeavors as a Regional Editor for TV Guide. The family settled in Wayne, Pennsylvania, in 1973, where they lived for fifty years.

In Wayne, Patricia's love for music and the arts flourished. She sang with the prestigious Wayne Oratorio Society and several church choirs and participated in many concerts, lending her voice to cherished performances like the Messiah in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Her passion for music and theatre was a legacy she lovingly passed down to her children. Patricia was also a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and served as a board member of her local chapter.

Patricia is survived by her loving husband, Arthur Hartel, Jr., her sons Arthur Paul, III (Tracy), Alexander (Lauren), Austin (Thyrsa), her daughter Juliette (Laird Popkin), and four adoring grandchildren, Emma, Rey, Ayden, and Max.

A small family service and burial will take place at Old Saint David’s Episcopal Church in Wayne on Saturday, November 2nd. May her spirit continue to inspire love and joy in the hearts of all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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