PATRICIA A. SKANTZE

 

PATRICIA ANNE SKANTZE  

Her spirit flew up to heaven in the early morning of December 15, 2012, at her home in McLean, VA. Beloved wife of Gen. Lawrence A. Skantze (Ret.); former Vice Chief of Staff for the U.S. Air Force. Pat has three children, Lawrence Michael, P.A. and Vanessa Maria; as well as a brother George Valentine Bowers and numerous nieces; nephews; cousins and dear friends who keenly feel this loss. Born the youngest of ten children to William John and Ellen Elizabeth Bowers, Pat was raised in Birmingham, Alabama. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Speech and Drama from Birmingham Southern College at the age of sixteen.

An actress and a dancer, Pat had a notable career as a fashion model on the runway and in print. In the early 1960's she began working in television as a talk show host; her Washington, DC based Women's World with Pat Skantze was one of the first of its kind. Along with her work in television commercials, Pat also enjoyed working in radio as an on-air personality and doing voice over work.

In their active duty life, Pat was a vital ally to Larry, planning and staging social events and seminars for military members and foreign dignitaries. With her signature Southern charm and exquisite fashion sense ("my lady of the hats" Larry called her) she made an unforgettable impact on everyone she met.

After Larry's retirement, the couple settled in McLean and Pat devoted much of her time to many worthwhile charities and causes, among them; Board of Associates of the National Rehabilitation Hospital; Arts for the Aging (AFTA)- Committee member; Women's Committee of the Washington Ballet-member and past President; Cultural Tourism DC; Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary. A vibrant member of the Capital Speakers Club as well as a past President; Pat served on the Welcome to Washington International Club as member and Diplomatic Liaison.

A Mass will be held at Memorial Chapel at Fort Myer, Friday, January 18, 2013 at 2:45 p.m. Interment following in Arlington National Cemetery. Reception at 4:15 p.m. at Ft. Myer Officer's Club.