Before her death on July 30, 2011, Patricia E. Hruska lived a life full of laughter, compassion, fearlessness and faith. Pat threw the best parties, didn’t hesitate to use “the good china” and never bought anything just because it was practical. She relished living in the moment, alleviating any burden of “woulda, coulda, shoulda.” She generously gave of herself through local churches and social service organizations including MANNA! and the Sandhills Moore Coalition for Human Care. As a Coalition volunteer on a bitterly cold morning this winter, she gave the coat she was wearing to a woman in need.
She and her husband of 41 years, August (Gus) Hruska, joyfully raised their only child with “tough-love” that was generally more love than tough. In the eyes of their daughter she was part Mama, part superhero and part best friend. She never skimped on anything, especially on “I love yous.” She was crazy about Christmas, spaghetti, bowling and working in her yard.
Pat was born in Johnstown, Penn., Nov. 15, 1933, to the late Albert and Ethel Thompson Bimeal. She worked for nearly 30 years at The Country Club of North Carolina, and most recently at the FirstHealth Center for Health and Fitness in Southern Pines.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Gus, and brother, Richard (Dick) Bimeal, of Johnstown, Pa. She is survived by her daughter, Susan Hruska Peters and husband, Steve, of Southern Pines; and her much-loved dog, Skip. She also leaves behind sisters Betty Bimeal and Sylvia Mountain, both of Johnstown, Pa.; as well as numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends who thought the world of her.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21, at Christ Fellowship Church, 1425 Midland Road, Southern Pines.
Memorial contributions may be made to Sandhills Moore Coalition for Human Care, 1500 W. Indiana Ave., Southern Pines, NC 28387. Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com.
Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines is serving the family.