“She was a tough advocate who would fight for you tooth and nail,” a friend recently observed, noting how she helped newly arrived Hispanic residents through bureaucratic hurdles, with their businesses, and taught them English. “She was caring beyond herself; a champion for the underprivileged.”
It takes a village, and Patricia Anne Matsukis mothered generations of local kids, encouraging them to follow their dreams, be the best they could be, and calling them out when they needed it.
As a community activist, Pat was instrumental in establishing recycling in the community, saving the Beaver Bridge, and saving the bluffs swimming area at Beaver Lake. She kept a watchful eye on local government and was outspoken on issues she cared about. This did not make her popular in some circles, but she was true to her passion and values.
A natural athlete, Pat loved volleyball and was a softball pitcher in her younger years. Bocce on Lightning Ridge was a treasured pastime.
She loved to sing and knew the lyrics to thousands of songs. Any passing phrase could trigger a one-woman concert.
Pat was always up for a good adventure or caper and organized many for “the girlfriends.” “She was always making us have some kind of fun,” one of them commented.
A self-avowed recovering Catholic and survivor of 12 years of Catholic school, Pat amassed a collection of kitschy religious iconography, including “Red-flocked Jesus,” who accompanied her on many adventures. She also enjoyed her vast shoe collection.
Following graduation from St Mary’s, Pat attended Chicago-Mundelein College where she studied foreign languages. She maintained many close friendships from her earlier life in Chicago.
Pat worked in food service in her younger years, in Chicago, Key West and Eureka Springs, then later made her living as a bookkeeper. She was always available to help out at her friends’ businesses.
Pat is survived by her husband Larry Evans; “the kids” Britt, Connie and Kelley Evans, and cherished grandkids Reid, Mia, Ian and Oen; sisters Kristine Kolton, Lois Miller, and brother Peter Matsukis; and several nieces, nephews and grands; “the girlfriends,” and scores of close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jeanne Tierney Matsukis and Samuel Matsukis and two brothers, Thomas (Jerry) and Michael Matsukis.
“She never changed, she just expanded,” remarked a lifelong friend she met at 14 in school detention. “She touched so many lives.”
A celebration of Pat’s life will be held in the spring with details forthcoming.