Patricia Racsumberger

Patricia Racsumberger SUFFOLK - Patricia Haywood Racsumberger, born Nov. 4, 1949, died peacefully Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009, after a courageous 12-year battle with cancer. Her family and friends were at her bedside. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who spent her life taking care of family and friends. After becoming a mother herself, Patti used her gifts to shepherd her own children and stepchildren. She was a model of sacrifice, foregoing individual pursuits in order to devote her energy to her family. Patti was an eloquent speaker, a talented writer, and a witty conversationalist. She enjoyed ceramics, but refused to make money on her creations. Her Christmas trees were always beautifully and uniquely decorated, as were the impeccably-wrapped presents that rested beneath them. Patti was also a phenomenal cook who refused to go to a party without bringing a dish. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997, but continued to live her life despite the diagnosis. Her favorite quotes were, "Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about learning to dance in the rain" and "Cancer sucks." She traveled to Europe three separate times, raised money for cancer research through the Relay For Life, and fought through the effects of chemotherapy to be present for significant family milestones during her final years. She never complained, frequently saying, "I have cancer, but I'm not sick." Most importantly, Patti was a devout Christian and the spiritual leader of her family. The unwavering faith she displayed throughout her lengthy battle with cancer was a testament to all those around her. Patti is survived by her loving husband, John Racsumberger; parents, William and Iris Haywood; three children, James McKinney Jr. and his wife Natalie, Joshua McKinney, Julia McKinney Falke and her husband Carlton; brother, William Haywood Jr.; two sisters, Tonya Haywood Janosz and her husband Allen and Deborah Stovall and her husband Jim; stepson, Jason Johnson; stepdaughter, Beth Ann Tavano and husband Jason; two grandchildren, Keegan and Noah McKinney; stepgrandchildren, Jason Alan Johnson and Payton Tavano; nieces, Ryan and Gabriela Haywood, Leah Bruno and Rachel Janosz. A funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home, 601 N. Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach. Burial will follow in Rosewood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Sunday, Oct. 18, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in Patti's name to the American Cancer Society. To celebrate the life of Patti, please visit her Everlasting Memorial at www.mem.com.