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RESCHKE PATRICIA BYRDE SWANK
PATRICIA BYRDE SWANK RESCHKE
Patricia Byrde Swank Reschke was born on September 14, 1926, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the fourth daughter to Byrde and William Swank. Pat lived on Mt. Washington and attended the University of Pittsburgh. Pat met Al through her sister, Bille, in July of 1943 and they corresponded during World War II. Pat and Al were married at Heinz Chapel in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on November 29, 1946.
Pat and Al became parents of five children, Cyn, Bill, Bunny (John), Jeanne (Kevin) and Maribeth (Lindy); seven grandchildren, Brian, Rich, Robin, Scott (Brenna), Abby (Vern), Tracy and Anna; and six great-grandchildren, Jenna, Jordan, Baeleigh, Natalie, David and Lila.
Pat has made a lifelong contribution to the children of her community. She was both a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, and was active and held offices in the PTA. Pat taught Sunday school for more than fifteen years, and was an organizer and tutor for the Tutoring program at Chagrin Falls Park first lead by St. Martin’s Episcopal Church and then Chagrin Falls Park Center. Pat and Al were active in American Field Service and hosted two students at Chagrin Falls High School.
Pat made a lasting contribution to Valley Presbyterian Church as a Sunday school teacher, a Stephens Minister, and a Deacon. Pat was also a volunteer in the church office, and is lovingly remembered as the Wedding Lady, the church’s hostess for the wedding party and family.
Pat was a leader in Chagrin Valley Woman’s Club and supported all of their fundraising efforts. Through the CVWC, Pat discovered Operation Smile and supported them over the years in many ways. Pat was active for many years in Reach to Recovery and was a cancer survivor herself.
Throughout Pat’s career she worked at the Chagrin Falls Chamber of Commerce, did accounting and sales at Stroud’s River West, children’s store, and after leaving there Pat spent many happy years as the owner of the Korner Kabinett gift shop in the Aurora Treadway Inn.
Pat dedicated her life to caring for her whole family. She taught us how to care for each other and how to live a meaningful life.
Afterglow
I’d like the memory of me
to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an afterglow
of smiles when my day is done.
I’d like to leave an echo
whispering softly down the ways,
of the happy times,
the laughing times,
the bright and sunny days.
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