Obituaries

Patricia Niemczyk

Ph.D. Patricia Ann Niemczyk Ph.D. in Education, 77, of Hixson, passed away Friday, Jan. 10, 2014. She was born in Buffalo, N.Y., on Feb. 5, 1936 to Leo and Virginia Paulus. Both preceded her in death. Patricia leaves her husband, Ted Niemczyk; three children, Lydia, Lisa and Theodore; two grandchildren, Molly and Ethan. She encouraged and guided her three children who all graduated college and moved onto successful careers. In 1955, she married her soldier Ted and began a 58-year marriage partnership and friendship which took her to many parts of the world. Patricia lived in Germany, Hawaii, Panama, Puerto Rico and numerous other locations in the United States. Patricia graduated from Saint Matthews Elementary School and East High School in Buffalo, N.Y. She was valedictorian of the East High School Class of 1953. She began her college work with a scholarship to the University of Buffalo in the field of mathematics and chemistry. At virtually all of the many locations where Patricia lived, she pursued college work and finally gained enough credits for a BA degree from Excelsior College of New York. Further educational challenges were met after retiring in Florida. Patricia received a masters degree in education from the University of Central Florida and went on to complete her Doctorate, also in education, at the age of 62. Patricia utilized her educational skills in teaching English in Poland in three consecutive years: 2000, 2001, and 2002. A busy person, she worked with Girl Scouts troops and Cub Scout dens. One of her favorite endeavors was teaching Red Cross classes in First Aid, CPR, water safety and other subjects. At some oversea Army posts, she organized and supervised Red Cross blood drives, always successfully. She received the Clara Barton medal, the highest award given to honor volunteers by the Red Cross. Patricia was brave, intelligent, and a dependable person. At great risk, she was a willing key figure in two dangerous rescue incidents. One of which resulted in the saving of a 10-year old girl from the imminent danger of death. During the Vietnam war, Patricia came to Saigon to spend time with her husband. Patricia was a member of the international womens fraternity Alpha Gamma Delta. This fraternity promotes academic excellence, philanthropic giving, ongoing leadership and personal development and above all, a spirit of loving sisterhood. In Chattanooga, she was a member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO). She dedicated her energy and skills to this organization where women celebrate the advancement of women; educate women through scholarships, grants, awards, loans, and stewardship of Cottey College; and motivate women to achieve their highest aspirations. It is a sisterhood of friendships. Tennis and bridge were among her favorite activities which she enjoyed immensely. Though a person of quiet demeanor who treasured her activities and friends, she also loved to ride roller coasters and other thrill rides. Patricia Ann Paulus Niemczyk will be missed by all who knew her. A private family service and burial will be held at Chattanooga National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Near East Welfare Association, an organization which has been a lifeline for the poor throughout the Middle East, Northeast Africa, India and Eastern Europe for more than 85 years (website: www.cnewa.org). It was one of Patricia's favorite charities. Visit www.lanefh.com to share condolences. Arrangements by Lane Funeral Home, Ashland Terrace, 877-3524.

Published January 19, 2014

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