Patricia Ann Kaschak

While surrounded by family, Patricia Ann Kaschak, née Ayer, age 87, of Annapolis, Maryland, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2024. She was born on October 28, 1936, in Glen Dale, West Virginia, the youngest child of the late Samuel Blake Ayer and Ila Ayer (Ankrom).
Pat grew up in West Virginia and graduated from Grafton High School. After graduating, she moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked for the Federal Government. In 1957, she married Peter Joseph Kaschak, Jr., and they built a life together filled with love, raising four children: Diana Williams (Marvin), Stephen Kaschak, Suzanne Broman (David), and the late Peter Joseph Kaschak, III.
Following her husband's untimely passing, Pat demonstrated immense resilience, raising her children on her own while working full-time for the State of Maryland. She was a dedicated and loving mother who did everything she could to ensure her children's well-being.
In retirement, Pat found joy in spending time with her family, including her grandchildren: Marvin Williams, Jr., Christopher Williams (Ahren), Stephanie Macdonald (Michael), and Benjamin Broman. She took pride in being a grandmother and was excited to be a great-grandmother to CJ Williams and soon-to-be Baby Macdonald. Family gatherings at her home were frequent and filled with warmth and fun times.
Pat loved the beach, especially Ocean City, MD, where she enjoyed walking along the shoreline collecting seashells, strolling the boardwalk, and savoring the sunrise over the ocean and sunset over the bay.
A true animal lover, Pat always had a soft spot dogs and cats. Over the years, she cared for numerous pets, including her beloved dogs Maxx, Scrubbies, and Ginger. She never hesitated to help a stray cat or feed the squirrels in her yard. Her compassion extended to all living creatures.
Pat enjoyed collecting vintage books and she loved searching for them in antique shops and thrift stores. She also appreciated the simple pleasures in life, like solving crossword puzzles, going for walks in her neighborhood, enjoying a glass of Cabernet, lunch dates with family, and listening to songs by John Denver ("Take me Home, Country Roads" was her favorite.)
Pat will be remembered for her resilience, kindness, and generosity. She was humble, smart, and always put her family's needs above her own. Despite the challenges she faced in life, she persevered with grace, strength, and a heart full of love.
In addition to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Pat is survived by her sister, Betty Lou Robinson. She was predeceased by her husband, Peter Joseph Kaschak, Jr.; her son, Peter Joseph Kaschak, III; and her brothers, Eugene Ayer and Wayne Ayer.
In honor of Pat's love for animals, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a local animal shelter. Consider adopting a pet, donating food or supplies, or volunteering time to care for animals in need – a tribute she would have cherished.
A private family service will be held on what would have been her 88th birthday. Pat's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.