Patricia “Pat” Hart Chakeres passed away peacefully on July 16, 2022, in Austin, Texas at the age of 80. Although she lived in Austin the last four years of her life, Pat was born and raised in Elizabeth New Jersey the eldest of five children and was a Jersey girl always. Pat married Richard Zbranak and had two sons, Richard and Michael. Pat later married Michael Chakeres and her family grew to include Michael’s daughters Maria and Stella.
Pat had a thirst for learning and attained her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Kean University and St. John’s University. She was a member of three honor societies including the charter chapter of Phi Kappa Phi at Kean College. In her career as a Librarian and teacher she innovated the Elizabeth School System’s libraries by bringing the use of database into them and the use of computers for the students in the libraries. Pat helped many a student navigate the college application or technical school process. She encouraged all to do their best and believe in themselves because knowledge opens doors no matter where you come from or what you want to do. No surprise, she was named Teacher of the Year and received a Kappy Award in 2006.
Pat loved art, fly fishing, the beach and Elvis, she had a vivacious personality and made friends everywhere she went. She and her late husband Michael were regulars at the Salmagundi Club and collected many pieces from the artists they admired. Pat described her relationship with her soulmate Michael as “joined at the hip in love forever.” For them, there was never enough delicious food, desserts, dancing, family, and friends. They loved to entertain, and all were welcome.
Pat is preceded in death by her first husband Richard Zbranak Sr., her second husband Michael Chakeres, her step-daughter Maria Xouris and her mother and father, Marie and William Hart.
Pat leaves behind her two brothers and two sisters, William Hart (Mary Lou), Bob Hart (Cathy), Lynn Bean, Caryl Brindley (Bill), two sons Richard Zbranak Jr (Cynthia) and Michael Zbranak (Lynn), her step-daughter Stella Brockner (Rick) and son-in-law John Xouris and twelve grandchildren
Visitation will be Sunday July 24, 2022, from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at Growney Funeral Home, 1070 North Broad Street, Hillside, NJ. The funeral service will be Monday, the 25th at 10:00 am at the funeral home with interment at Graceland Memorial Park, Kenilworth, NJ.
Donations may be made in her honor to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Patricia, please visit our floral store.
Published by Legacy Growney Funeral Home on Jul. 20, 2022.
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