PATRICIA JANE HUDAK (nee Zaucha), age 82, of Hudson (originally of Euclid), OH and Cary, NC, passed away with family by her side on March 3, 2021. She was born September 3, 1938 in Mt. Pleasant, PA, daughter of the late John and Stella Zaucha. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Francis Hudak, sisters Eileen Zaucha, Sally Schwertner (Arnold, deceased), Jean Mack (Ken) and brother Richard.
Survivors include her children, Frank Hudak (Sue), Paula Lancaster (Rodney), Mike Hudak (Suzie) of Fort Myers, Florida, Ron Hudak (Mary Jo) of Cary, North Carolina, and Sue Spacagna (Pete); grandchildren, Jeff Smith (Januari), Ashlee Dolak (Ryan), Erika Atkins (Jared), Michael Hudak (Brittany), Patrick Hudak, Christopher and Sara Hudak, and Joshua and Andrew Spacagna; and great grandchildren, Mason Smith, Trent and Ava Dolak, and Lacey and Cooper Atkins.
Patricia, or “Patty” as she liked to be called, went to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School in Coraopolis, PA where she kept and cherished her friendships with a number of her classmates and the Felician Sisters, always looking forward to the yearly reunions back at the Mother House. She moved to Cleveland where she worked for Ohio Bell before meeting her husband Frank at a John Carroll University dance. She married the love of her life on September 24th, 1960 and took on the role of housewife, mother, and bookkeeper.
She was a master baker and cook, always creating delicious dinners and desserts for her family to enjoy. On holidays, you could find her in the kitchen making her homemade Polish specialties, such as pierogis, sauerkraut pork and dumplings, and paczki. She was known for her Christmas cookies that she made every year to share with family, friends, and neighbors. Her grandchildren frequently requested and loved her homemade cinnamon rolls (her secret ingredient…potatoes!).
In her younger years, Patty enjoyed ballroom dancing, racquetball, and cake decorating. She took an occasional trip to Vegas, Presque Isle Downs, and the Horseshoe to play the penny slot machines, always getting excited whenever she was a winner no matter the amount.
She loved being outside tending to her flowers and vegetable gardens or feeding and watching the birds, especially hummingbirds. For many years, she tenderly cared for her composting worms (yes, that says worms!) in order to have the best soil for her gardens.
She was a lover of puzzles, board games, and card games. You could find her on the weekends playing a game of Mexican Train, Scrabble, or Skipbo with family. She was an avid reader, especially of western romance novels. She even made the transition from handheld books to a Kindle in her later years J
She was a devout Catholic with a strong love for Jesus and a deep devotion to Mary. Every morning you could find her saying her Rosary and prayers for her family. She loved going to Mass and found strength in receiving the Eucharist.
Most of all, Patty was a kind, generous, and loving mother and grandmother. She lived for her family, finding much joy in spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She loved attending dance recitals, sporting events, Baptisms, First Holy Communions, Confirmations, graduations, weddings, birthday parties, family reunions and any other event that brought family together.
She will now be reunited with her husband Frank whom she has missed dearly over the last 20 years. May they share a sweet reunion in Heaven and maybe a waltz or polka dance, too.
Rest in peace, Mom/Nana/Grandma. We love you!
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial gifts in Patricia’s name be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at fightcf.cff.org or Catholic Charities Diocese of Cleveland at www.ccdocle.org/support-us/donate-online.
Due to concerns with covid, family will not be having calling hours. FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE INVITED TO GATHER AT ST. MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH 340 N. MAIN ST. HUDSON, OH. 44236 WHERE HER MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL WIL BE CELEBRATED ON MONDAY MARCH 15, 2021 AT 11 A.M. (PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH) Private interment All Souls Cemetery. OUT OF RESPECT FOR ONE ANOTHER MASKS WILL BE WORN AND SOCIAL DISTANCING WILL BE OBSERVED.
Mass will be livestreamed at https://stmaryhudson.cc/livestream. Private Interment All Souls Cemetery.
ARRANGEMENTS BY FERFOLIA FUNERAL HOME (330-467-4500)
