Phyllis Jean Hudson Pajka

PAJKA, Phyllis Jean Hudson, 83, of Quinton, VA died on the early morning of April 3, 2024. She was a member of St John's Catholic Church in Highland Springs.

Born in Chesterfield County on March 23, 1941, she attended and graduated from Manchester HS Class of 1959. She worked at the Federal Reserve Bank where she met her husband, Martin R. Pajka. Together they attended numerous Studebaker Drivers Club events. Once they had their kids, Terry and Sharon, they traded in the Studebakers (but not all of them!) for a camper van that they used to take trips up and down the coast.

Phyllis later worked for the Children's Museum of Richmond and BFI before retiring.

Throughout her life, she was a diligent volunteer at New Kent Public Schools and the Girl Scouts. She knitted hats for cancer patients and wrote hundreds of letters while on the Letter Writing Team of Soldiers Angels. Phyllis embodied their mission that no soldier should ever be forgotten.

Phyllis loved her family, her country, ice cream, NASCAR, travel, haunted history, and Bigfoot! Throughout her life, she took numerous road trips with her husband and family. When heading out west, she fell in love with South Dakota. She collected a rock from each state she visited. With her daughter, she stayed at numerous haunted hotels, participated in paranormal investigations, and took haunted history tours.

Phyllis had a crafter's heart and loved sending care packages. She could replicate nearly any recipe including her mother-in-law's chili. Her handmade gifts for her family and friends will continue to be cherished. During her last year, she resided at Morningside in the West End where she read over 200 books and hand-stitched nearly 50 tote bags to give as gifts.

She will be remembered for her kind, generous, and giving heart. She never knew a stranger. Her husband "fell in love with her many times over." Her family and friends will miss her laughter, quirkiness, and all the times she howled at the moon.

A private memorial will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider planting a tree in her memory through the Arbor Day Foundation. For condolences, see www.blileys.com.