Dedicated teacher, gracious hostess, active in church and community
Pat Sciple.(Courtesy photo)
Patricia “Pat” Sciple died at home April 18, 2023, in Harvard. She was 81 years old.
Pat was born in Yonkers, New York, in 1940, living in close proximity to loving relatives from her large, extended Ukrainian family. She and her brother shared idyllic times with their many cousins, aunts, and uncles. The memories of her youth were a source of pride for Pat, who valued family, faith, and tradition.
She received her master’s degree in education from Hunter College in New York City. Pat loved teaching and helping to develop young minds. Her 30-plus years in elementary education outlined how she lived: patient, friendly, and willing to support others.
While teaching in Washington, D.C., she met Carl, who was assigned as a White House social aide between his tours in Vietnam. They later married at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where Carl was teaching. This was the first stop on her global military adventure. After three years and the birth of her two children, the next moves with the U.S. Army took her to Michigan, California, Germany, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and finally to Harvard, which became home. In each location Pat made lifelong friends to whom she stayed loyally connected over the years.
A major part of her life was spent in Harvard, where she loved to get involved. She was an active member of the Harvard Woman’s Club with special interest in their veterans affairs and scholarship committees. Pat’s faith provided focus. She valued the guidance, support, and comfort she received as an active parishioner at St. Theresa’s Church of the Holy Trinity Parish.
Pat’s favorite role, though, was that of “Grammy.” She played an active part in each of her three grandchildren’s lives—and loved cheering them on at their games, competitions, and performances. She knew their closest friends by name, too. How fortunate they have been to have a grandmother who so openly cherished her time with each of them. They, as we all, will receive comfort whenever seeing her “spirit animal” (the giraffe) to be reminded of her eternal love.
Pat loved to entertain and was an amazing cook and the consummate hostess—a skill she honed as a military spouse. Her ability to tell a brief story… never existed, and many remember fondly her gentle taps on the shoulder, to ensure attention, as she punctuated key points of her narratives. In later years, since Carl’s retirement, he and Pat had become intrepid travelers—embracing adventure while also discovering new parts of the world.
In almost 52 years of marriage, Pat and Carl embraced life’s adventures and challenges with optimism, humility, and love. They made an effective team. Pat treasured the life they built and remained focused by her love of family, friends, and faith. She will be deeply missed by those who knew her.
Pat is survived by her loving husband, Carl; her children, John (Martha) and Amy (Kevin); and her grandchildren, Liam, Libby, and Bode. She was predeceased by her brother Richard, his wife, Mary, her sister-in-law Dooley, and her nephew Dan.
Friends and family gathered to honor and remember Pat Monday, April 24, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Badger Funeral Home, 347 King St. Littleton. A funeral Mass was held Tuesday, April 25, at 11 a.m. at St. Theresa’s Church, 15 Still River Road, Harvard. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pat’s memory to Clear Path for Veterans New England, 84 Antietam Street, Devens, MA 01434.