Patricia Ann "Pat" Cwayna, age 80, of Amery, Wisconsin, won her 6-month battle against stroke and cancer by transitioning courageously forward, surrounded by loving family, at Golden Age Manor on Friday, October 13, 2017. Greeting her at heaven's gate were husband (Mike) and parents (Richard and Agnes). Missing her will be daughters Mitzi and Sara, sons-in-law Clark and Todd, and grandson Sam whom Pat dearly loved. Also missing Pat will be her four brothers – Dave (and family), Greg (Barb and family), Steve (Laura and family), Lance (Kathy and family) – and Lewis, Lisa, Max, and Zack, her bonus kids from Mitzi's blended family. From Golden Age Manor, Pat leaves behind her family of caregivers and friends. She also leaves behind her partners who knit prayer shawls and played bridge together, her co-workers at the Amery Hospital & Clinic, her South Street neighbors, the members of her bowling team and church choir, and many other lifelong friends.
Pat was born in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, on January 7, 1937, the first of five children of Richard Joseph and Agnes Margaret (Strzyzewski) Vechinski. She grew up in Port Edwards, a small paper mill town along the Wisconsin River, where she rode bike, babysat, led her high school marching band as the drum major, played bassoon, and discovered a love of science. In 1955, she graduated top of her class from John Edwards High School and earned her way into the University of Wisconsin -Madison where she graduated with a degree in Medical Technology in 1959.
In Madison, Pat met and fell in love with Michael Bernard Cwayna while he was in law school. Following her instructions, he did indeed "hurry back" after their first date. They were married at St. Alexander's Catholic Church in Port Edwards, Wisconsin, on July 2, 1960, and moved to Amery to set their roots and grow their lives. Soon, they welcomed two daughters into their family – Mitzi (Michelle) in 1961 and Sara Lynn in 1964 – five dogs, too many guinea pigs to count or name, and even a few birds.
The shoreline of South Twin was Pat's paradise for 53 years. She cultivated a landscape of wild flowers, fruit trees, and hedges. She strung Christmas lights, hung orange jack-o-lanterns in her lilac tree, shined a spotlight on the American Flag, and kept a candle burning in the front window. In a couple weeks, she will be missed by the neighborhood children who loved to trick-or-treat at her scary Halloween door. Pat dug worms for children ready with cane poles and tried every trick in the book to outwit persistent backyard geese and ducks. And oh how she loved her sunsets over South Twin.
Pat was passionate about every aspect of her life. She retired just six years ago from her proud career in the lab at Amery Regional Medical Center. She was a champion of the Amery Schools and public education. She proudly backed the Amery Marching Warriors and was instrumental in founding the Amery Band Boosters. She did the legwork on local referendum initiatives. She worked behind-the-scenes on the Amery Fall Festival. She planned and chaperoned dances for teens in the 1970's. She delivered Meals on Wheels. She served on the Amery Hospital Board. She sang in her church choir, led St. Joe's Parish Council and CCW, was the pie lady at many-a fishing contest, and every week for years, laundered and pressed church linens.
Pat was one of those truly gracious women who made life more pleasant and a heck-of-a-lot more fun for everyone around her. She sang On Wisconsin and she cheered for her Badgers. She applauded Amery students for their performances in the school auditorium that she led efforts to build. She dreamed up costumes and theme parties as a lifelong member of Ball & Chain. She became famous for her Christmas caramels and Polish Brandy, Easter baklava, October apple pizzas, and all those amazing dinners she prepared in her little kitchen. In the recent years, she jumped on planes to Paraguay and Poland, learned Guarani from her grandson, and explored her cultural heritage. The only thing she couldn't do was play the kazoo, and that's only because she ran out of time.
Pat's faith and relationship with God steered her through life's joy and pain. As Father Gene put it, she "made good example" for us. She will be remembered for her spunk, her beauty, and her self-less spirit. She was loved by many and will be missed beyond understanding.
To celebrate their mom's life, please join Pat's daughters on Tuesday, October 17, from 4-7 pm at Williamson White Funeral Home, 222 Harriman Avenue North, Amery, and on Wednesday at 11 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1050 Keller Avenue North, Amery, and during the visitation 1 hour prior to services at the church. Pat, of course, will be wearing Badger Red. And you can, too, if you'd like. Stay for brats and Spotted Cow following the service. Please bring your stories to share. Memorials can be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Amery Food Shelf, or any favorite local charity.
Rohayhu, Pat. Rest in peace, having completed what God sent you here to do.
To sign an online guestbook and view a video tribute please visit www.williamsonwhite.com Arrangements were made with the Williamson ~ White Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Amery, Wisconsin