Patricia Eileen Tkac

1926 - 2011

Patricia Eileen Tkac May 13, 1926 - March 24, 2011 Patty Tkac passed away peacefully at home on March 24th surrounded by her family. Patty was born on May 13, 1926 in Portland, Oregon and she spent her childhood in Edmonds, Washington. She attended the University of Washington at Seattle for two years. In 1945, she left school to start work with United Airlines as a flight attendant and she flew with them until 1948. She quit when she met and married her husband of 54 years, Victor Tkac. Patty and Vic spent their first year of marriage in San Mateo, California and then moved to Bakersfield to start their own irrigation business. Patty set up her home and began to get established in her new town. She spent many years volunteering for The Junior League of Bakersfield, Great Books, and The American Cancer Society. She was also a member of a singing group called The Unfinished Four, who's name came from the fact that they were four young women who seemed to never be finished having babies. Coming from a long line of educators and poets, Patty loved putting pen to paper. She could often be found working on something for Junior League or just writing poetry or stories in her free time. Another big source of joy in Patty's life was her Thursday Bridge group. For many years, she and her group would gather for an afternoon of cards and friendship. Patty loved her family and friends and she loved having a good time. Since childhood Patty had loved fishing and Vic shared her enthusiasm. She and Vic, along with their children, spent their summers and any other free time in Sunriver, Oregon fishing, visiting with family and friends and just enjoying life. Patty always looked forward to getting to Sunriver. The place was a source of great joy for her. Patty is preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Victor Tkac. She is survived by her children, Terry and Peter Vokos of Santa Cruz, Cecily Waterman of Bakersfield, Jon and Wendy Tkac of Bakersfield, Suzy and Craig Carver of Bakersfield, and Jeff and Heather Tkac of Bakersfield. Patty also leaves many grandchildren, Ali Young, Matt, Ashley and Megan Waterman, Alec, Gabrielle, and Weston Tkac, Grant and Bridget Carver, Parker, Hudson and Justin Tkac, and five great- grandchildren. Service will be held Friday, April 1st, at 9:00 a.m., at St. Francis Church, 900 H Street. www.bakersfield.com/obits