Patricia "Pat" Marie Privett, 78, of Cleveland, OH, was carried home in the arms of her Savior on January 14, 2022 while surrounded by loved ones in her home.
Pat was born on January 8 th , 1944 and adopted by her loving parents Imbro "Jim" and Sally Kovacevic. She loved her parents dearly and had the most special relationship with her father who doted on her with loving affection. Pat attended East High School, where she was set up on a blind date with her sweetheart, Tom and they were inseparable from that moment on. The two were married in 1961 and built a beautiful life over the next 61 years. Tom and Pat were the epitome of high school sweethearts, with a deep and precious love for one another through thick and thin.
Pat was considered a professional shopper by all who knew her. She would browse the racks for hours seeking out the best deal. Then, when wearing her latest purchase, she would proudly share the story of her bargain buy and point out the details in the stitching, brand, and cut of the fabric. During a famous shopping trip, Pat went in to browse and Tom remained in the car to read his book. Tom apparently dozed off because hours later he woke up in the dark with Pat still perusing the racks. Other favorite pastimes included gardening and cooking. She was known for her potato pancakes, roast beef and blueberry Jell-O.
Pat was a devoted mother to her two daughters, Kimmy (Danny) Ruben and Karen (Raymond) Smosarski. She was the fun and cool mom, carting kids around to skating rinks and rocking the latest hair trend, often proudly dyed by Tom at their kitchen table. She was a supportive and loving grandmother to Leah (Chris) Ruben, Daniel (Christina) Ruben, Olivia (Correy) Scally, and Josh (Audrey) Smosarski and great-grandma to Stella Smosarski. Pat was nicknamed "Grandma with the Sheep" by her grandchildren; a name that stuck due to the large stuffed sheep displayed in her living room. She was preceded in death by her biological brother Michael and her great-grandson, Wyatt Smosarski.
It was Pat's joy to have the opportunity to connect with many members of her birth family including her siblings Paula, Patrick, and Michael as well as her cousin Debbie and her family. She cherished the relationships she developed with all of them and was thankful to have found additional family members that welcomed her with open arms.
Above all else, Pat loved Jesus. She often called him, "My Jesus" which speaks to the intimate fellowship and love she had for her Savior. Pat spent countless hours sitting in her recliner with her favorite hymns on repeat. Pat was a prayer warrior and once famously told her family that she "prayed so hard she gave herself a migraine." Her fervent and persistent prayer carried her friends and family through many joys and trials. As the leader of a prayer chain, she ensured all needs and requests were communicated and prayed for. One evening, Tom came downstairs at 4:00 am to find Pat rifling through her Bible, searching out the perfect verse in response to the most recent prayer requests. Even as she lost her sight, she continued to initiate the prayer chain by picking up the phone and sharing the requests with her group. In her final days, when reminded about how much Jesus loves her, she proclaimed "I know that with my whole heart, my whole soul."
Her family rests in the assurance that Pat is singing hymns in the presence of her Father. She was a spiritual rock and discipled those in her life by her example of loving her family, serving in any way she can, and walking closely with Jesus. She will be deeply missed by all who loved her.
Visitation Tues. 1/18 from 2-4 and 6-8 at Zabor Funeral Home. Service Wed. at the funeral home at 10:30am . Interment Brooklyn Heights Cemetery.