Celebration of Life in Loving Memory of
Patricia Ann “Pat” Garrison Van Zele
Saturday, June 1, 2024
1:00 PM Eastern Time
Carlise, MA
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Video Tribute
Patricia Ann (Garrison) Van Zele Obituary
Patricia Ann (Garrison) Van Zele of Carlisle MA passed away on January 5, 2024, at the age of 79, peacefully surrounded by multiple generations of loving family members.
Pat, as she preferred to be called, was a sweet and loving wife, mother and grandmother whose passion in life was working on behalf of the most vulnerable, particularly children and animals. She worked as a school psychologist in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Virgina and Texas with all ages from K-12, but particularly enjoyed engaging with those in the middle school years.
In retirement, she volunteered as a CASA guardian ad litem advocating in court for children and providing ongoing support for affected families. Also, she served as a leader in the teen court, a diversion program for teens facing charges where, as an alternative to the criminal process, they could be judged by fellow teens who then worked with them toward a just and constructive resolution. While living in Tucson, she volunteered as a greeter at the Arizona-Sonoma Desert Museum, where she particularly enjoyed pointing visitors to her favorite Javelinas exhibit.
Outside of helping others, Pat enjoyed good food, wine, and great fiction, and was an accomplished cook. A lover of vodka tonics, Christmas ornaments, comfy slippers and playing mahjongg with friends, Pat relished the small pleasures in life. She had an easy laugh and a gentle presence that may have been understated, but whose absence cannot be denied, and it is being felt profoundly by her loved ones now.
Pat is survived by her loving husband of 58 years Roger, her children, Chris Van Zele and wife Diana Wang of Jersey City, NJ, and Kate and husband Adam Chojnacki of Carlisle, MA. She is also survived by her four grandchildren, Wrenley and Greta Chojnacki and Kai and Maia Van Zele, who were the lights of her life and who provided her with an immense amount of joy being their Nana. Additionally, she had four beloved siblings, Pam Krisak, Debbie Maier and John Garrison, as well as a brother Jim Garrison who predeceased her.
There will be no funeral service or public viewing. A celebration of her life will be held on June 1, 2024, per her wishes, “a gathering of family and friends to remember me and to celebrate the happiness which was my life.” She requested that some excellent wines and Tito’s vodka be served for all to enjoy and to toast all who made her life so worthwhile.
Donations in her memory may be made to Save the Children Federation.
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Pat’s celebration of life was beautiful and just what she wanted. Her life was full of joy and total enjoyment of your beautiful family. When growing up in the 50s was mentioned it brought back a funny memory. That was a time when the Mickey Mouse Club was extremely popular. Pat and our friend Sally wanted to be Mouseketeers. They even had the hats with Mickey’s ears. They used to practice various song and dance routines. They definitely had the looks and personalities to be Mouseketeers, but the routines may have needed a little work. Just another example of Pat always finding new things to do and enjoy. She has provided many wonderful memories.
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Pat was a sweetheart. It was an honor and a pleasure to know her.
Jack and Karen
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Pat will be missed. She is amazing person. I will miss her laughter and sweet personality, especially keeping Roger in check. She will be missed by all at the barn.
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Pat will be missed. She was an amazing person. I will miss all the times with her and Mr. Peanuts. Pat loved to ride him and really had enjoyed going off property with Roger. Pat really glowed when talking about the grandkids. How proud She was of her extended family. When they moved out of state and closer to the kids, I was hoping she would be able to visit Tucson. I will miss her smile and her humor.
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What a beautiful celebration of life for Pat. Thank you, Roger and family, for allowing us to attend remotely.
Love,
Bob and Rose
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I worked with Pat for 13 years back in the 1980s and early 90s. We were part of the child study team in Green Township. She was my closest friend during a very troubled time in my life and I can truly say I could not have gotten through it without her support and guidance. She was truly loved and admired.
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To the perfect hostess with a napkin tucked under her chin and a glass of vodka handy. We enjoyed many days with her in Arizona and a few while she ‘camped’ in our driveway in Illinois. We always had a great time.
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I am glad to be able to join The Celebration
Andy
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I’ve been missing Pat since she moved from Illinois to Arizona. We played Mah Jongg with a large group of ladies on a weekly basis. We would joke that Pat needed to tuck her napkin into her blouse to catch all that was going to miss her mouth during our lunches. But she would easily laugh at herself and these minor faux pas. Pat was always a good listener with valuable feedback. I looked up to her like a big sister.
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Years ago, Pat and I commuted together during the wee hours of the morning to our jobs at a school in northern NJ. Often, while running late of course, Pat kept me calm, interjected her bright sense of humor, and made the entire day something to look forward to.. Most notably, she made everyone feel important.
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I admired, respected, and loved Pat. Remembering many good times and memories of her quick wit and wisdom. I miss you, dear sister-in-law.
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Cheers to the woman who brought kindness and quirky humor to the many lives that she touched. The world was a better place with her in it.