Obituary of Patricia Ann Kopacz

Type Obit Here Patricia "Pat" A. (Strigel) Kopacz, age 77 of Trenton, passed away on July 16, 2019 peacefully at home surrounded by family. She was born to the late John A. Strigel and Mary R. Horvath on January 5, 1942. Pat was predeceased by her brother John Strigel, her sister Kathleen Small and her grandson Dean Matthew Kopacz. Pat is survived by her sons John Kopacz Jr. and wife Laurie and Matthew Kopacz, as well as daughters Trish Coppola and husband John an d Janine Teske and husband Jody. She is also survived by her brother Greg Strigel and wife Carol as well as seven grandchildren, Mary Kate Teske, Amanda Tompkins, Jake Teske, Johnny Kopacz, April Kopacz, Cameron Kopacz, Caitlin Kopacz, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Pat attended Cathedral High School. She was a single mother of four, and to support herself, was a crossing guard for children. During this period, she vouched for the use of handheld stop signs so guards could redirect traffic, furthering the protection of children. She recruited many of her close friends to become crossing guards as well. Patricia put herself through nursing school, attending the Donnelly School of Nursing in Hamilton, NJ. Nursing was not only a career, but also her ministry and passion, especially her hospice nursing. She worked several jobs during her nursing career including, Mercer Medical Center, HIP of Princeton, Bristol Myers Squibb of Hamilton and finally wrapping up her nursing career as a Hospice nurse, for more than ten years, at Compassionate Care Hospice in Burlington,NJ. Despite her hectic schedule, Pat found time to be a member of the Nottingham Garden Club and a choir member for the Trenton German American Club and St. Francis Church. She had a beautiful alto voice and would bless others with her singing. Pat also loved the water and could often be found at the Yardville Swim Club or the Jersey Shore with family and friends. She was a wonderful cook and baker. Family and friends were important to her. She always extended her hand to others in need and she gave often of herself and of her material possessions. Full of life, vigor, sweetness, and joy, Pat was constantly present in each moment. Whether each moment was cause for swimming, dancing, caring for her patients, telling stories of her heritage, experiencing life with her family, or speaking her mind, she was there. Viewing will be held on Monday, July 22, 2019 from 5-8pm at Knott's Colonial Funeral Home at 2946 S Broad St, Trenton, NJ 08610. The funeral mass will be held Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at 10am, at Saint Gregory the Great Church at 4620 Nottingham Way Hamilton Square, NJ 08690.