Patricia Kudrick

November 7, 1941 - December 28, 2020

Patricia Kudrick of Surfside Beach SC, born November 7, 1941 passed away on Monday, December 28, 2020 at the age of 79. She was surrounded at her bedside by her loving husband Jack and son John. God gently whispered her work here was completed but he offered new work that had a bonus -seeing relatives and friends she had not seen for a long time. So she peacefully followed her new calling. Pat and her husband, Jack, together since the age of 17, had a bond like no other. They're love for each other was undeniable and remains endless even in her passing. Pat, and/or Meema, as she was called by most, had a larger than life persona. When she entered a room, the sparkle in her eyes and big smile lit up the room. If you saw a circle of people, you would often find her in the middle of the group telling stories or offering loving advice. She always had a zest for life, trying new things, spending time with her family, socializing, and vacationing in places like Hawaii and Aruba with her family and grandchildren, Taylor and Jack. They loved to get Meema to try new things which always turned into fits of laughter because of Pat's good nature to attempt to do what her grandchildren suggested and the hilarious results of her attempts. She always had a passion for watching her son and grandchildren play sports, perform in plays, or attending their school programs. Pat was a graduate of South Plainfield HS and Trenton State Teaching College. She taught Physical education for many years in NJ at Watching Hills, South Plainfield and Somerville middle schools. She was a coach of both gymnastics and cheerleading where her kind words, support, and hugs were always her currency. She was an amazing athlete herself, almost unhittable as a softball pitcher, as well as a cheerleader and an accomplished dancer Pat’s favorite words were, “I want to go to the beach”! You knew she was the happiest when she was on the beach or near the water. She loved to read, tell stories, plant flowers, do creative projects especially making jewelry. Pat lived in South Plainfield, New Jersey from the time she was born until she moved with her husband to Surfside Beach, South Carolina six years ago. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Jack Kudrick, her son, John, daughter-in-law Jennifer, her granddaughter, Taylor and grandson, Jack, all of Murrells Inlet South Carolina, her sister, Jane Doherty, nephew Jimmy Doherty, niece Teri Ann Vischio and great niece, Milania Vischio, all of South Plainfield, NJ. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Julianne Kleber, brother-in-law, Walter Itzen, her aunt, Betty Cirigliano, many cousins and her loving dog Jeter. She is predeceased by her parents, Teresa and Walter Malec and her brother, Anthony. We will forever adore, love and remember you, Pat. We will stand taller and stronger knowing you are watching over us from above. Memorial services will be held at a later date in South Carolina and in South Plainfield, New Jersey. There are many ways to judge someone’s life and the impact she had on the lives of others, family, friends, co-workers, students and even those she met only one time. I believe that the most revealing way is to consider personality and character. My cousin Pat’s personality was her character. She was precisely who she seemed to be, warm and friendly, kind and sensitive, spirited and fun. That is why so many people loved her when they first met her and very often continued to love her during relationships that lasted a lifetime. She cared about everyone she met and they could tell. She was devoted to the teaching profession. She performed her daily responsibilities with great spirit and always seemed to be the first to volunteer for new challenges. She showed support, encouragement and loyalty to other teachers and administrators. She showed her students a motherly love and affection and inspired many young lives. Pat was particularly warm, loving, and devoted to her family. Her care for her parents, Tessie and Walter, her love for her husband of 57 years, Jack, her pride for the achievements of her son, John, and his wife, Jen, her concern for the well being of her grandchildren, Taylor and Jack, and her loving, trusting relationship with her sister Jane, nephew Jim, niece Teri Ann and grandniece Milania were an inspiration for everyone. Pat and I were born one week apart, lived around the corner from one another and grew up together. Day after day, year after year, she was kind, she was loyal, she was loving, she was supportive and she was fun. She was a big part of the happy memories of my life. I feel so fortunate that she was my cousin, Pat. Tom Kapsak