Barbara Pataky

Barbara Pataky, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin and dear friend entered into eternal rest on November 19, surrounded by the warm, loving embrace of her family after a long and fearless battle with cancer. Barbara's beautiful light and nurturing spirit inspired those so fortunate to have shared this life with her. Barbara was immensely proud of the family to whom she was so devoted and her loss is profoundly felt by John, her adoring husband of 46 years, her sons Mark and Walter, their wives Alicia and Jordan and her five grandchildren, Luka, Renzo, Amelia, Leo and Lily who were her absolute joy. Even in the darkest days of her illness, Barbara found delight and comfort in every giggle and wiggle, every cry and every beautifully sleepy breath of the grandchildren she loved so deeply.
Born and raised in Bierutow, Poland, Barbara bravely moved to the United States on her own when she was only 19 years old, supported by a wonderful extended New York Polish family of aunts, uncles and cousins. This would be an early sign of an inner strength and confidence that would define Barbara throughout her life. With her patent tireless work ethic and good nature, she learned the language and started building her American dream, all while remaining devoted to her parents and her three sisters and their families who remained in Poland. Barbara and John married in 1978 and started building their American dream together, welcoming first Mark, then Walter to the family. Theirs was always a home filled with lots of family, friends new and old and so many celebrations – all bearing the hallmarks of Barbara's endless hospitality and creativity - her decorating, her sewing, flower arranging and crafting. Barbara loved to share her Polish heritage through her insanely wonderful cooking, baking, holiday traditions and the trips she and John and the boys made to visit family in Poland.
After raising Mark and Walter in Wallkill, New York, Barbara and John migrated south to Myrtle Beach in 2009, building their beautiful house in Carolina Forest and preparing for retirement. Several of Barbara's cousins and their spouses would soon follow suit, retiring south to Myrtle Beach, reinforcing the family bonds with Irene, Jeanie and Walter that Barbara so treasured. This group of cousins supported each other through good times and challenging times, laughing and crying together along the way. She truly loved the MB lifestyle and cherished her time in the sun, by the pool or on the beach with family and the many new friends she made getting to know the area and in her work representing designer fashions at Dillards. Her many clients who became personal friends are a testament to Barbara's warmth and the ease with which she connected with others.
As Barbara's family and friends, we have felt the sting of her premature departure from this physical world and we will miss her elegant style, her beautiful smile and her joyful laugh. However, we rejoice as our hope is in the Lord and her eternal life with Him. As Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though they die, yet shall live; and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die." (John 11:25-26). And the memory of our bright and beautiful Barbara will live on in our hearts forever.
"Spoczywaj w pokoju, Basia"
Rest in Peace, Barbara.
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