Patricia Anne Cerny

Patricia Anne Cerny (Pat), 89, peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior on February 14 surrounded by her loving family at Cedarfield Retirement Community Center in Richmond, Virginia. She was born in New York City on September 18, 1935, to Anne Blake and Wilford Kennedy Blake. Her family had deep roots in North America, arriving in 1620 with the Pilgrim settlement in Massachusetts and in 1640 with the Puritan settlement at the Isle of Wight in Jamestown, Virginia.

Pat graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1953 and was Valedictorian of the Lankanau School for girls in Philadelphia. Not only did she pursue academic excellence but served as the captain of both her field hockey and basketball teams. She entered and graduated Magna Cum Laude from American University in 1957 with a degree in Languages.

After graduating from college, she married Milton Cerny and for the next 67 years they lived happily together. She and Milt were faithful members of Mount Olivet United Methodist Church in Arlington, VA where they attended Sunday school and participated in many service programs for over 30 years.

Pat worked in the Arlington, Virginia school system and served as President of the Arlington Junior Women’s Club. In 2005, Milt and Pat moved to Salisbury, Virginia to be nearer to her son Mark and grandsons Zachary and Justin. She and Milt continued their religious activities as members of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church.

Pat was predeceased by her parents. She leaves her grieving husband Milton, her son Mark Cerny (Eileen), Her daughter Beth Raust (Eric) of Spotsylvania, Virginia and grandchildren Michael Raust of Arlington, VA, Zachary Cerny (Ashley) of Midlothian, VA, Brian Raust of Washington DC, Justin Cerny (Mary) of Bon Air, VA, Daniel Raust of Alexandria, VA and Katherine Raust of Richmond, VA.

Pat will always be remembered for her kindness and spirit that would light up every place she entered. She leaves her grieving family knowing she did everything she could to bring them happiness and security with the knowledge that she is now with her Lord and Savior in Heaven.

A memorial service to celebrate her life and reception will be held on April 5th 1:00 PM at Cedarfield Retirement Community Fellowship Hall, 2300 Cedarfield Parkway. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Cedarfield Philanthropic program of your choice and to At Home Care Hospice.