Patricia "Pat" Ramona Kopaska

Patricia “Pat” Ramona Kopaska, 81, passed away of natural causes November 19, 2010.

Pat was born April 28, 1929 and had fond memories of the “acreage” she lived on in her youth in east Des Moines., She graduated from East High School in 1947. She received an art scholarship at Drake University but declined it to work and support her parents. Besides her artistic ability, her joy in life was raising four children and supporting various nieces and nephews. She was selfless in sacrificing her own needs for the greater good of others.

For many years Pat worked in health care, beginning in her youth, as an assistant for Dr. Walston who had a private “hospital” on 6th Avenue in Des Moines. In her later years she worked for the US Postal Service and for the State of Iowa. She then became a nursing assistant and worked at several care centers in the Des Moines area.

Pat is survived by two daughters, Carolyn (Dennis) Walker and Connie Kopaska. Five grand children brought joy to her life; Brian Walker, Emily (Alex) Smith, Ryan Bales, Jordan Hutchinson and Joshua Parsons. Most recently she has delighted in 2 great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Elise and enjoyed their visits with her at the care center. She was preceded in death by her son, David, and her daughter, Marilyn Sue.

A funeral is planned at 1PM for Monday, November 22, 2010, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home on Lyon Street in Des Moines. A visitation will commence at 11 AM prior to the funeral, with burial at Glendale Cemetery.

Pat carried an enormous burden, at times, from suffering with bipolar disorder. She endured many hospitalizations in her lifetime for depression. Most recently, with a diagnosis of Celiac Sprue, it became evident to Pat that new research is showing a correlation of depression with gluten intolerance as well as with genetic methylation defects. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Alliance for Mental Illness, 5911 Meredith Drive, Ste. E, Des Moines, IA 50322.

www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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