Patricia A. Jakubowski

Patricia A. Jakubowski, age 79 of Shaler Township, on August 2, 2022, received a message from God, “Pat your room is ready,” and with that, her 18 year struggle with various illnesses was over.

Born in McKees Rocks on November 25, 1942, she later moved from the Rox to the city “Brighton Heights,” she loved the old victorians.  Then she moved to the burbs of Shaler.  She’s preceded in death by her parents Theodore and Valerie (Smigiel) Jakubowski and her sister, Diana Lynn.  I hope they were all in her room waiting for the reunion and for Pat to meet her sister, Diana.

Pat is survived by her partner of 40 years, Diana Krlin, and also her sister Thea Jakubowski, both of Glenshaw.  There are also many cousins that live across the country.

My sister Pat and I were quite a pair, we could talk for hours about absolutely nothing but then have an hour discussion about the meaning of life.  At times we lived together, worked together and owned a business together, and when I got on her nerves I was kindly told to go to my portion of the house.  I definitely knew who the “boss” was.  She started working at the age of 12 at our dad’s store (Ted’s Dairy) giving orders to waitresses 4x her age.  Jobs, promotions, careers, did not matter to her.  People mattered.  Those that became lifelong friends and those she met at Shop N’ Save that turned a 5 minute trip into 45 minutes.  Meeting people, learning about their lives, acceptance of all, kindness to others, these are the things that mattered to Pat.  

Meeting Pat Miller and her family, a large fun-loving, softball playing, card shuffling group that brought laughs and joy to Pat’s life.  This lead to the North Side Stars, a girls softball team that Pat helped organize and raise money for, and yes, she was the scorekeeper with the two white poodles.

The poker playing friends, many who have sadly passed away.  But the current group, I must mention Butch Izaj, a friend for more than 50 years.  He mentioned that he called her every day just to check in.  She depended on him and counted on him.  He loved her and she loved him like a brother.  Carol Bender, a friendship that was hard to understand.  It seemed that they loved to aggravate each other then later try to explain themselves.  John Phillips, an old friend that Pat respected and loved.  John told me how they met and had instant chemistry, and “when together we laughed” what a gift they had.  And Diana, her partner, who taught Pat to play poker and in the end most times losing to her.

Summers spent at Morraine Campground with Betty, Jake, Theresa and Ken.  Betty and Pat’s funnel cakes were the best.  Taking vacations with Darlene and Mary, casino visiting and a shoe shopping trip to Sharon.  A salesman trying to sell a pair of brown size 6.5 when we asked for black size 8.5.  I will always remember Darlene helping Pat with chemo and treating Pat like her older sister.

I don’t know if Pat ever watched a football game from beginning to end, but she helped create and run Three Rivers Football Club for more than 20 years.  Pat would also organize a block pool that covered the entire Steeler season and then would throw a great party for the Super Bowl, her and 200 other people having a great time.

The move to Shaler brought new neighbors and friends that Pat got to know and care about.  She ended up joining the Shaler Garden Club.  One member told me that she added humor to the group.  Two special friends from the Garden Club were Shelley and Eric Nilson who were always there to help.

Pat was a person who enjoyed life and sharing it with others.  Pookie, her current most beautiful cat is surely missing her.  Just like Pat missed Whoopie, a black standard Poodle that was so smart and so sweet.  If there is a heaven and that room exists, Whoopie will be there along with mom, dad and sister Diana, with Pat cooking.

I know this is long, but I have lost my dear sister and best friend and I feel all good lives should be honored in some way.  Not only the wealthy, famous and infamous, but also someone who lived a good simple life enjoying others and looking at pretty things.

I must thank two medical groups: Dr. Michael Finikiotis, PA-C Katherine Dart and the entire staff of Craig Medical Assoc.-UPMC. Also, Dr. Stanley Marks, PA-C Laura Pembrooke and staff at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Stanley M. Marks M.D. Endowed Research Fund, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, 5115 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15232.

No Visitation, Service and Interment held privately by family.

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