Mrs. Patricia Ann Lancaster

Patricia Ann Pramik Lancaster, much-loved wife, mother, and grandmother passed into the arms of her beloved Savior Jesus Christ on Monday evening, February 3rd, 2025 surrounded by her loving family after what was probably a brief illness, but who could know? She was never one to complain. She was 90 years young, an age that surprised most who met her, as she was beautiful and active, belying her years (and was pretty proud of having just renewed her driver's license for 2 more years).

She is survived by her four children and their spouses-Pamela Lancaster Elzinga (Doug), Kim Russell (Keith), Lisa Lucas (Don), and Tim Lancaster (Leslie). Additionally, she left behind 9 grandchildren: Emma and Elena Lancaster Elzinga, Kris and Kelli Russell, Sember and Rayen Lucas, Jack (fiancé Emma) and Savannah Lancaster, and one great-grandchild Sage Russell. She is also survived by her brothers Francis, Matt, and Jerry Pramik, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Patricia is preceded in death by her loving husband of 62 years, Malcolm Clayton Lancaster, her father and mother, John and Catherine (Zatsko) Pramik, her siblings Virginia, Andrew, Catherine, Richard, Bernard, John, Eleanor, and Mary Ann.

Pat was born in Barberton, Ohio, the 7th of 12 children on November 15, 1934. She attended Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic High School (where we believe she was a cheerleader, based on a photo we found after her death, an item she never mentioned despite the fact that her daughters were cheerleaders!) and Akron University, then bravely set out on travel adventures as a commissioned officer and dietician in the U.S. Army. Pat was first stationed in San Antonio, Texas, where, after one brutal summer, she vowed never to return. Next posted to Fitzsimons Army Medical Center, Pat achieved the rank of Lieutenant, and caught the attention of a handsome young medical intern, Malcolm Clayton Lancaster. Dad told us that all of the doctors noticed her because she drove a 1957 pink Pontiac Chiefton!

After marrying Malcolm in 1959, Pat gave up her army career to take up the career of faithful wife and homemaker. Together they traveled where Mal's Air Force cardiology job took them; England, back to Denver, Dayton, Ohio, and then returning to, of all places, hot San Antonio where she lived from 1966 until her death.

Hospitality and service were Pat's gifts. While Mal worked long hours, traveled with the military and engaged in many community activities, Pat was the helper, supporter, the glue that held the family together. Supper was on the table every single night (often with the exclamation, "The bread is burning!!") Laundry, dishes, sewing, kid-raising x4, room-mother, bake sales, homework, Vacation Bible School, Good News Club, hosting parties, this was the cadence of her days. Then grandchildren came along, and she was an amazing grandmother, caring for and loving each one well. She continued her tradition of grand holiday events: The house's seasonal decorations (and EACH season, not just Christmas) would magically appear. Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas were celebrated with huge feasts for the family (and often a basic trainee or a friend who couldn’t make it home for the holidays). There was way too much delectable food about which she would lament while simultaneously worrying about whether or not there wasn’t something we left out. Birthday parties with shaped cakes, your favorite meal, and a pile of presents were the norm.

Pat was active as a part owner and salesperson at The Christian Bookmark and served San Antonio Christian Schools administration and families by opening her home to countless Christmas Progressive Dinners, Sadie Hawkins Days, and Halloween Parties. "Will your mom make her Famous Pizza?" was a common request among the teenagers, and the peanut butter/butterscotch Rice Krispie cookies with the chocolate in the middle never failed to show up at the bake sale.

Pat and Mal loved serving the Genesis Sunday School Class at Wayside Chapel, which Mal taught. Our whole family is grateful for the parade of precious folks who shared our parents’ lives for nearly 50 years, supporting Pat and our family after Mal's death, and continuing to support us through her death as well. Blessed be the tie that binds.....

Outside the organized parties and events was the service Pat rendered to the steady stream of people who came to their home for friendship and counsel. Mal would engage in the deep discussion while Pat would interrupt multiple times to make sure you didn't need more tea, or another Ranger Cookie or slice of Pumpkin Bread, and then to clear away your plate. The receiver always walked away blessed by both of their contributions.

Our precious Mom was finally and mostly a follower of Jesus Christ her Savior. Reading scripture and acts of service were primarily how she lived out her faith, and obedience is how she gauged the depth, but her strength always came from the Lord. Less than a month after Mal died, having fulfilled her promise to be with him "in sickness and in health until death do us part", we found out she had had an abnormal heart rhythm for nine months that she had hidden even from her cardiologist husband, and had fractured her back trying to lift him probably two months prior to his death. But if she had shown her need, she wouldn't have been able to continue to care for him, so she relied on Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength." Especially in the three years after Mal's death it became easier to see how deep her connection to her Savior had always been.

Now that our Mom is in heaven, perhaps we must rethink the description of "heavenly rest." At the Great Wedding Feast of Jesus Christ to his Bride the Church, Mom’s chair will probably be sitting empty as she is making sure you don't need another piece of bread, though I'm pretty sure this time it won't be burned. She wants so badly to see you there. She would remind you, "Jesus is the Way."

A Committal Service for Patricia will be held Monday, March 3, 2025 at 9:30 AM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209. Following the Graveside, will be a Memorial Service beginning at 1:00 PM at Wayside Chapel, 1705 Northwest Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78213.