Patricia Stitik

Patricia Stitik VIRGINIA BEACH - Patricia Rae "Pat" Handerhan Stitik, 66, entered into eternal rest Friday Dec. 4, 2009, peacefully at home with family at her side. Born and raised in Perth Amboy, N.J., she graduated from Perth Amboy High School in 1960 and Mount Saint Agnes College in Baltimore in 1964. It is there where Pat met her true love, Fred "Bear" Stitik. They married Aug. 15, 1964. Pat and Fred began their married life living in New Jersey where she taught school at her grade school alma mater, Perth Amboy No. 7 School and was Teacher of the Year in her first year teaching. While Fred was in medical school, she continued her teaching career in Jersey City, N.J. As a young teacher she touched the lives of, and inspired many young children. Pat and Fred returned to Baltimore in 1968 to make their home there, raising sons Derick and Todd. Pat was a member of the Church of the Nativity in Towson and participated in many volunteer efforts. She was an advocate of the Johns Hopkins, Kennedy Krieger Institute for Children. One of Pat's passions was her love of tennis. It was at the Valley Country Club in Towson where she pursued her tennis "career." Pat and family moved to Virginia Beach, making it their home since 1981. Pat was an active member of the Church of the Holy Family. She served on the Parish Council, and was a member of the Choir and the Hospitality Committee, among many other volunteer and religious committees. Pat enjoyed her time at many social activities, skiing, boating, music, playing mahjong and bridge, enjoying weekly Dim Sum, and living life to its fullest. She was a member of the Virginia Beach Racquet Club, Cavalier Golf &Yacht Club, the Virginia Beach Yacht Club, the Cape Henry PTA, the Little Neck King's Daughters Circle, the Alanton-Baycliff Garden Club, the Holy Family Day School faculty, and provided guidance, inspiration and encouragement at local nursing homes and breast cancer support groups. Pat had an opportunity to do extensive travel; she had a special love for Ireland, Aspen, and Ocean City, Md. In 2005, Pat and Fred retired to Sarasota, Fla. They made a home in Pelican Cove where they enjoyed many sunsets together. They joined the Saint Thomas More Church where Pat continued her love of music and joined their choir. For those of you who had the privilege of knowing Pat, you know she lived a vibrant and full life with her strong faith and positive outlook. She was an extraordinary woman who had warmth and compassion for all. She will be deeply missed by her loving family and a multitude of friends. Her smile and blue eyes will shine forever. Surviving are her husband of 45 years, Fred Stitik; two sons, Derick of Sarasota, Fla., and Todd of Virginia Beach; three grandchildren, Cooper, Seth, Chloe and Griffin. Pat was the daughter of Lillian and the late Raymond Handerhan of Perth Amboy, N.J., and the sister of Debbi Corej of Oceanport, N.J., and aunt to Carrie and Lauren Corej. A funeral Mass will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, at Church of the Holy Family at 1279 N. Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23454. The inurnment will immediately follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Donations can be mailed to Donor Services, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265-0309. Condolences, expressions of sympathy, and sharing of good memories may be expressed at www.mem.com.