Patricia Rismiller

by Richard Rismiller

Pat was a very loving, caring, strong person. She absolutely loved her children and grandchildren. The family consists of Kristen Rismiller (her sons Justin Rismiller and Ryan Chapman); Matthew (his wife Carla, sons Christian and Aiden (10 months), sons Brandon and Kenny Keating, and daughter Carlyn Keating); Donna Rismiller (daughters Mariah and Brianna Velazquez). Her only regret of moving here was that she anticipated not seeing as frequently the two granddaughters living in Maryland, but it put her closer to the two grandsons living in Savannah. She always sought to get just the right present for everyone and really fought the idea of using gift cards - too impersonal. Anytime any of them came to visit, she had to make certain that they had things to do, plenty to eat and thoroughly enjoy themselves.

Prior to the deaths of her parents a few years back, she spent untold hours visiting them in the hospital and assisted care facilities trying to ensure their comfort. Every holiday she was in Maryland she visited their graves bringing flowers appropriate to the season. She was very strong and hard working. For over 30 years she was an independent displayer with Home Interiors and Gifts. She worked from home, taking care of the children when they were young and working at night and on weekends. Many years she was the highest seller in her unit and received much recognition. At one point she had over 45 other sales people working for her. She built strong personal relationships with many of her loyal, regular customers and fellow displayers. She was strong in her fight against the cancer, never, never giving up the belief that she would beat it. Her cancer required very intense treatments, but she would suffer through them certain that it was worth it. Several months ago she discovered that a high school friend also has cancer and began corresponding with him; he said that she was his support in the early part of his process.

Pat was social. She enjoyed a party, usually early to arrive and one of the last to leave. She loved to entertain and have friends enjoy her home. She just enjoyed talking with people and learning about them. She was one of those people that remembered the names, birthdays (including their children) and particulars of the lives of everyone she met. In Ocean Ridge and with the Southport Newcomers Club she served on entertainment committees personally making most of the decorations for social affairs. She was very artistic and was called upon by many to create posters, signs and decorations for events of all sorts. Since moving here she learned Mahjong and Bridge and looked forward to her weekly sessions with her friends.

Over 10 years ago she discovered line dancing. Eventually she got me to try it and we spent many evenings and weekends at dances all over the northeast. We even participated in the line dancing event at the Senior Olympics. Unfortunately line dancing is not as popular in the south as in the north but that just meant she would learn shag dancing. We belong to two shag clubs in Brunswick County and attended the regular dances even during the cancer treatments until she simply did not have the strength to go anymore. Over and over people have said "Pat was a special lady".