Patricia Damstrom

PATRICIA FAYE (BLAIR) DAMSTROM passed away on August 29, 2023, at home, surrounded by love, prayer, and family after bravely battling blood cancer. She was 82.

Patsy was born on July 20, 1941, at her rural home in Valley Station, Kentucky, to Rollie Murl Blair, a sharp farm man who never needed the eraser on his pencil, and Winnie Lillian (Hargan) Blair, a loving mom with a special touch for nurturing all living things, who made perfect iced tea and Sunday fried chicken with bacon grease. Patsy was the baby, born eleven years after her four siblings. Patsy overcame polio as a child. Building her childhood faith foundation at Bethany Methodist Church, she encountered Jesus Christ as a teen when a friend invited her to a revival service, the start of a personal relationship with Jesus that set the course for the rest of her life.

After graduating from Valley High, the stunning beauty enrolled in Union College in Barbourville, KY, with dreams of helping people as a social worker. She graduated with a BS in English and a minor in Social Work, the first in her family attend to college. While there, she met Kenneth Carl Damstrom, a tall ex-Marine from Worcester, MA, who was preparing to be a minister; they married on December 22, 1962, in Valley Station. Over the next six decades, they pastored churches in New England and Calvary Assembly of God in Elizabethtown, KY, as well as serving at Trinity Bible College in Ellendale, ND and The University of Valley Forge in Phoenixville, PA. Pat invested her leadership gifts in Aglow International women's ministry as a local president and member of the KY Leadership Board, in the KY District Women's Ministries as a sectional leader, and at Abundant Life Church in Birdsboro, PA as the women's ministries coordinator.

Pat was a true teacher, both by profession and at heart. After college, she taught for years in various public and private schools, and sixth graders were her favorite. At church, Pat taught Sunday School and Daisies, counseled kids' camp, and took great pleasure in planning themed VBS programs. She led worship with a genuine, sweet spirit, modeling a heart full of love for her Savior. Everywhere she lived, Pat mentored women and taught them the Word of God in Bible studies, her true calling. Serving her community as a Mary Kay consultant for the last 25 years gave opportunity to teach women, to own her own business, and to use her gift of encouragement to help others realize their God-given beauty.

Pat's biggest passion by far was her family. For 61 years she was Ken's loving, devoted wife, ironing his dress clothes, cooking his favorite dishes, and creating a cozy home filled with colorful touches and the aroma of homemade rolls. Ken and Pat enjoyed traveling to the Caribbean, South America, Canada, and Europe twice to see her beloved Alps and Cotswolds. Pat also traveled all over the US with Ken, navigating with her God-given internal GPS. She was the best partner in all respects. Pat adored "the girls," her daughters Joy and Faith, and made sure they always felt her love. She rocked and read to them, sewed their clothes, supported their dreams, and shared every major event of their lives. Pat loved her sons-in-law, Miguel and Fabiá́n, teaching them to make a decadent hamburger and showering them with a mother's love when their moms were far away. Pat was a proud Mamaw to granddaughter Brisa Grace and loved every moment spent with her.

Pat was a charming, gentle, wise soul with a warm, easy-going way. Her blue eyes sparkled when she smiled. Her curious mind was smart, resourceful, creative, and independent. Hardworking and constantly in motion, she carried a running list of ideas and goals on paper and in her mind. After dinner she enjoyed playing board games, puzzles, and Sudoku. The outdoors called to her, and she'd often be found working in her yard or strolling along the beach on Siesta Key. Exploring back roads and historical properties with no agenda or time restraint and savoring the landscape while driving along was a favorite pastime. She was a free spirit. All things Christmas, thrift stores, yard sales, the Brooklyn Tabernacle, and ice cream made her smile. Best of all, she knew how to love people, and they loved her back.

In April 2021 Pat was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. This was her second life experience with blood cancer. As a warrior mom she walked alongside Faith on her Leukemia journey years prior. Her consistent prayers and the power of a mother's love were a healing gift. In Pat's personal cancer journey of over two years, she determined to face both treatment and disease effects so patiently and so gracefully. Her hope was found in the Lord through it all, and she did not lose sight of Him. Prayer warriors near and far asked God for a miracle for Pat, but to those who traveled with her on her cancer journey, she IS the miracle. To love and be loved by Pat was a remarkable privilege. Every extra moment spent in her sweet presence was a miracle.

Pat is now standing happy and whole in God's presence, reunited with her parents and her sisters Dorothy, Alma, and Vera and her good friend Joy P. Pat leaves behind her husband, Kenneth Carl Damstrom of Birdsboro, PA and her daughters, Karyn Joy Barría, wife of Fabiá́n of Landisville, PA, and Elisabeth Faith Damstrom, wife of Miguel Jackson of Durham, NC. Her little granddaughter, Brisa Grace Barría, and any future grandchildren will grow up with Pat's wonderful legacy. Pat is survived by her big brother, Murl Blair, of LaGrange, KY and many nieces and nephews that she loved very much. She will also be missed by countless friends whose lives she has touched. This life will never be the same without her, but those who love Christ like she did will see her again.

Visitation with family and friends will be held on Thursday, September 7, 2023 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Lutz Funeral Home (2100 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading, PA 19606). A celebration of Pat's life will be held on Friday, September 8, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Abundant Life Church (400 W. Second Street, Birdsboro, PA 19508). The family asks if sending flowers, please honor Pat's love of her yard with garden-style arrangements, avoiding wreaths or sprays. Thank you. Lutz Funeral Home, Inc. is handling arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.LutzFuneralHome.com