Image based on Rosie the Riveter. 

Remembering Pat

Pat knew things before anyone else in our office did. She knew who was getting promoted, moving to another department, and leaving the company by choice or not. Our boss nicknamed her Radar after the character in the sit-com M*A*S*H who possessed an uncanny sense of incoming wounded before hearing the drone of helicopters.

Last week, I found out Pat had died at age 71. 

I admired Pat because she said what she thought, and she cared deeply about the work and the people with whom she worked. During her more than 30-year career, she mentored countless colleagues from the students who worked for her as exhibit tour guides to her bosses over the years. She was also my mentor and friend.

Pat knew how to get things done through the back channels. Often, she’d shake her head at any signs of my naivety about the way things really worked.    

One day, she saw a copy of “The Titleless Leader: How to get things done when you’re not in charge” on my table. She harrumphed as if she could have written this book. Of course, she had real-life experience and didn’t need this book.

Pat worked hard and underplayed her contributions. Unfortunately, I other colleagues take her for granted, robbing her of the respect she had earned, rising through the ranks. She explained some co-workers didn’t acknowledge her current position because they still saw her in her first role. She deserved better treatment.  

As I recalled, she earned a degree from Wharton, along with street-smarts too. She had endless ideas that she gave away, a jaded sense of humor, and a profound work ethic.     

She arrived at work early before most of her coworkers. Even on that icy winter day when her Toyota Tercel slid and crossed the median facing oncoming traffic, she wasn’t late.

Another thing, she dressed in style. This woman’s wardrobe was the envy of any professional businesswoman – a vast collection of suits, dresses, jewelry, scarves and shoes. Pat wore pumps, while I sported sneakers most days because they were comfortable, and I was lazy.  

Nearly every day, she popped into my office to discuss an unusual speaker bureau request or the odd behavior she witnessed in the museum. Besides our museum we had temporary exhibits highlighting historical artifacts like railroad bonds. Usually, we held an opening event, which brought the media, the public, and the regulars. One such regular was a woman who came prepared with plastic baggies to take home her share of leftovers from our events.  

Pat made our public events successful, memorable, and fun. Our first big event together involved buying a ham at Reading Terminal market to introduce the public to the newly redesigned currency. Every several years, U.S. currency was redesigned to fight counterfeiters who have become more sophisticated. She helped roll out all the dominations with facelifts including the $100, $50, $5 and $10 bills. Her knowledge of both bills and coins was remarkable.

             Now, I didn’t know much about Pat’s hobbies beyond work. She liked the shore, enjoyed gardening, and baking at Christmas. Her homemade festive peppermint white bark chocolate was popular in the office. In fact, the candy was so popular that a co-worker asked Pat to make it for his friends. She did of course. Her kindness wasn't a weakness at work, it was her strength. 

           Surely, Pat had a spot reserved in heaven. I hope she understands how much I respected  and admired her during her time here.