QVC lost loyal a customer on May 27, 2021. Patricia “Pat” Carol Embrescia passed into the eternal love of God after a battle with pancreatic cancer and kidney disease. She had previously conquered a bout with kidney and thyroid cancer, yet avoided mumps as a child. A devoted mother, grandmother and wife, Pat leaves behind husband Jim, daughters Jeannine Kwasniewski and Kendall Embrescia-Hridel (husband Sandy) and grandchildren Kendra Embrescia, Kaitley and Kamberlyn Kwasniewski, Solveig, Saskia, and Brancaccio Embrescia-Hridel. Pat is predeceased by her parents Mario and Theresa D’Amico, brother Donald and granddaughter Kayla Kwasniewski.
Jim and Pat were married for 51 years, and together for 58. They met at beauty school in 1962 where they styled the trendiest, in vogue perms, cuts and colors of the day; beehives, French twists, and pageboy fluffs. Luckily, Pat and Jim avoided an early demise when the beauty shop caught fire while they were both working. They ushered the patrons out safely, yet forgot to grab the loot from the drawer, much to the disappointment of the owner who was more interested in saving the cash. Astonishingly, Pat never colored her own hair. Until the last days of her life and at the young age of 73, she had only a few silver strands in her luscious and bodacious locks, which she was very proud of and shared like it was “news”.
After she graduated in 1966 from Garfield Heights High School, Pat worked in social services administration, and the psychiatric and mental health sector for 20 years. She went on to receive her bachelor’s degree in social work and drug and alcohol treatment from Notre Dame College, with a minor in pastoral ministry. She continued her studies in social work and earned her master’s degree as an LISW from Case Western Reserve University, while simultaneously working full-time and raising a family. Pat worked for several social service agencies before starting her own private practice, Wellspring Clinical Counseling and Consulting Services, LLC in 2003. Her specialties included substance abuse, marriage, youth and family counseling, focusing on the betterment of humanity and improving lives, which kept her engaged in everchanging societal complexities. She loved her work, her colleagues and empowering people to better themselves and take control of their lives. She made a positive and profound impact in the lives of many people. Pat’s own personal adventure with family struggles presented her the opportunity to focus on self-improvement, self-reflection, and self-empowerment, which ultimately fueled her passion to assist others in doing the same.
A devout Catholic, Pat was very involved in the church as a pastoral and eucharistic minister, PSR teacher and member of the St. Joan of Arc and Holy Angels congregations. Her religion, faith and spirituality were at the core of who she was.
Wild, feisty and independent, Pat personified the characteristics of her Sagittarian zodiac sign.While she wasn’t an astrology guru, this academic was quintessentially adventurous, fun-loving, sociable and friendly. She was determined to live her life to the fullest. An honest woman, and a straight shooter who spoke her mind, you knew where you stood with Pat. Clear, concrete and elaborate, this could best be captured in her comical commentaries of just about anything, period. A lifelong love of learning led Pat to be very, very smart. All you had to do was ask her, and she’d tell you how smart she was.
Strong-willed, family-oriented and very opinionated, Pat exemplified the Italian mama. Firm, witty, and a force of passion, she was always right, even when she wasn’t.
On the flip side, her social media and technology capabilities left something to be desired. The shock and awe of her Facebook rants left us perplexed and holding our sides in laughter. Also, she always tried to be on top of the newest technology, yet her inability to navigate various devices (TV, computer, smartphones, bread machine, waffle maker) left her frustrated and everyone around her running for another room in the house.
Pat enjoyed crafting, liked sewing (until the machine sabotaged her), loved music and dancing, researching her family history, funding QVC, was always up for travel and always looked forward to walking the labyrinth with her dear friend, Chris. A vegetarian for over 35 years, she relished exploring new recipes and was a damn good baker and cook! But most of all, she loved spending time with her family.
In her final weeks, Pat was determined to maintain an independent and normal lifestyle. She refused to accept defeat, until she was no longer able to overcome the difficulties of her disease. After almost 3 months, surrounded by family and friends, Pat entered the eternal Kingdom of God, where she joined her parents, brother, granddaughter and friends who had crossed over before her.
On a final note, this remarkable woman taught us, most importantly, the value of faith, family and how to make delicious family recipes and Italian bakery.
Friends may call at THE FERFOLIA FUNERAL HOME, 356 WEST AURORA RD. (OH RT 82), SAGAMORE HILLS FOR VISITATION ON WEDNESDAY FROM 2-4 AND 6-8 P.M. (MASKS ARE OPTIONAL) All are asked to gather at Church of the Holy Angels, 18205 Chillicothe Rd. (OH RT 306) on Thursday at 11 a.m. to celebrate Patricia’s Mass of Christian Burial. Interment All Saints Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are suggested in her name to Cleveland Clinic Hospice, 6801 Brecksville Rd., Independence, OH 44131.
