Patricia A. Malecki, 78, passed away on August 25, 2024, following several months of ill health.
Pat was born in 1946 in Chicago, IL to Casey and Jean Stasila. As a young child, Pat’s family moved to Thorp where she attended the Sterling School through the 8th grade. She then attended Thorp High School where she sang in the choir and participated on the Forensics team. There she also met Kenneth Malecki, her high school sweetheart for life. She graduated in 1964 and attended UW-Eau Claire for one year where she was a member of the University Choir.
In October 1965, Pat and Ken were married, and they later welcomed daughter, Eva, and son, Ron, to complete their family. They were married for 58 years until Ken’s passing in December 2022.
Pat was an active member of the St. Bernard-St. Hedwig church community. She began singing in the choir while in high school and continued to be a committed member for more than 60 years. She also was a member of its Parish Council of Catholic Women and taught CCD for several years.
In 1988, Pat began working full-time for the Thorp School District as a special education program aide. In addition to her regular duties, Pat took over the high school Forensics program saving it from being dissolved due to lack of an advisor.
She continued to mentor students as Forensics coach for 31 years, and each of those years, she guided members of her team to state-level competition with many of her students taking home gold medals.
She also served as director of the THS Drama Club for 15 years, putting on yearly productions and helping to organize the school’s Fine Arts Night. In addition, she regularly served as score keeper for the girl’s volleyball games. She retired in August 2013, but continued to substitute teach and coach Forensics until the 2019-2020 school year was disrupted by the COVID pandemic.
In addition to her extra-curricular activities in Thorp, for more than 25 years, Pat served as hair and make-up director at the Eau Claire Children’s Theatre. She enjoyed acting in a few musicals throughout the years as well.
Throughout her life, Pat was involved in numerous bowling leagues, was a member of the Thorp Lioness Club, served as a volunteer tour guide with the Thorp Historical Society, and sang with the Clark County Choraliers.
Following Ken’s retirement in 2017, the couple traveled extensively, visiting more than 25 states including Hawaii for their 50th wedding anniversary, Alaska, Vermont, Tennessee, and California.
Pat is survived by her children, her brother, Bill (Carol) Stasila, a niece, and two nephews as well as many other family members and dear friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on October 12, 2024 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at My Place, in Thorp, with a time for sharing memories at 2:30 p.m.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com.
Thorp Funeral Home of Thorp, WI is assisting the family with arrangements.
