Patricia F. Kappus

WILLIAMSBURG - Patricia Fogarty Kappus died Monday morning, October 4, 2004, at her home in Williamsburg, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Patricia was born May 5, 1949, in Bogota, Colombia, South America and spent most of her childhood in Texas and New York. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of St. Elizabeth in New Jersey and a Master of Arts from Cabrini College in Pennsylvania. Patricia spent 24 years in the academic profession teaching grades 1 -12 and serving as a school principal in Catholic parochial elementary and middle schools. In 1995 she moved from Pennsylvania to Williamsburg and became involved with the Williamsburg Hotel & Motel Association. As the reservation center director, Patricia drew from her past experience as a teacher and school administrator to enhance the overall effectiveness of the Association. She focused her efforts on the training and professional development of WHMA employees and remained committed to her belief that people are an organization's greatest asset. Patricia was dedicated to bringing out the best in others and knew the results that encouragement and a kind manner inspire. In her nine years at the WHMA, Pat helped promote tourism in the Historic Triangle through her service on the Bureaus' Travel Industry Marketing Committee. At the state level, she worked closely with the Virginia Tourism Corporation to package wineries, bed and breakfasts, hotels and motels throughout the state. Continuing her focus on the importance of education in business, Patricia was active with Lafayette High School's business community advisory council. In February of 2004, the Williamsburg Area Convention and Visitors Bureau honored Pat's achievements by presenting her with the Williamsburg Area Tourism Professional Award. True to her nature, she remarked that the award was "quite an honor, not just for me, but for the organization…It's unusual and lucky to find such a great group of people to work with." Pat was an unconditional friend to everyone who knew her. She was committed to her faith, to her family, to her community and to her friends. Pat was an avid reader and enjoyed traveling with her family. Patricia is survived by her husband, William R. Kappus; her daughters Anne Raikin, Katherine Kappus and Margaret Kappus; her sons-in-law, Lee Raikin and Jeff Holden; her mother Wilma Fogarty and seven siblings and twenty two nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends at Bucktrout Funeral Home in Williamsburg, Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 8 at St. Bedes Catholic Church in Williamsburg. Should friends desire to honor Pat's passionate commitment to education and to children in need, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Agnes School, c/o Father Edward Deliman; 233 West Gay St., Westchester, Pa. 19380.