Patricia A. "Pat" Pangikas
Like a comet soaring across the sky, Pat Pangikas entered this world on August 16, 1952, and with an even bigger flash, she trailed away to her next journey on May 13, 2022. A long-term resident of Pittsburgh, Pat followed her heart wherever it led, even as far as sneaking to Woodstock at age 17 to see Jimi Hendrix. Pat’s heart and unchained spirit eventually led her to meet her husband, Chris, a jazz musician who frequented the Harley Hotel, and they traveled the country together before finally returning to Pittsburgh to start a family. With an unapologetically selfless personality, Pat loved her family fiercely, stood by her friends, and donated her time to her church and others in need. After working for many years with children in various roles from care provider to teacher’s aide, Pat retired to a quiet home life where she enjoyed the simple things like gardening, adorning her backyard with wind chimes, gazing at her pond, and scratching off lotto tickets. She spent the winter of her life caring for her sick husband, Chris, never faltering in her commitment no matter what she faced. She loved the color purple, anything that sparkled, cooking for her kids, crime dramas, good books, Motown, and her three precious dogs. She cherished her family, her grandchildren most of all. She is preceded in death by her mother and father; her sister, Kathy; and her husband of nearly 40 years, Chris. She is survived by her daughters Cathy (Steve) Masters; Athena (Michael) Pangikas-Miller; Damaris Pangikas; and Mary (Levi) Goehring and grandchildren, Niko, Eli, and Owen Masters; Ares, Persephone, and Ajax Pangikas-Miller; Brando and
Cambria Krist; and Russell and Theodore Goehring. Life in her wake feels like a silent black sky, but we keep the starlight of her memory ablaze in us all. Be kind to one another, be selfless, and always put family first, just like Pat did. At her behest, there will be no viewing or funeral; instead, a celebration of life will be held next month. Her family thanks you for your condolences and prayers. If you’d like to do something in her honor, do a kind deed for someone else, donate to charity, support cancer research, or simply tell someone that you love them. Be present in your life and the lives of others. Be the extraordinary light in this world that Pat was for us.