Patricia Matsukis Obituary

Matsukis , Patricia Anne

She was fearless, outspoken, a force, an advocate and a devoted friend, and Eureka Springs, Arkansas, will not be the same without her. Long time resident Pat Matsukis departed this plane November 27 at the age of 71.

Reared in Chicago, Pat moved to the Ozarks in 1982.

She was a tough advocate; a champion for those less privileged. Pat mothered generations of local kids, encouraging them to follow their dreams, be the best they could be, and calling them out when they needed it.

A natural athlete, Pat enjoyed volleyball, softball and bocce. She loved to laugh and sing, and was always organizing adventures with "the girlfriends."

Following graduation from St Mary's, Pat attended Chicago-Mundelein College where she studied foreign languages. She maintained many close friendships from her earlier life in Chicago.

Pat is survived by her husband Larry Evans; "the kids," Britt, Connie and Kelley Evans, and cherished grandkids Reid, Mia, Ian and Oen; sisters Kristine Kolton, Lois Miller, and brother Peter Matsukis; and several nieces, nephews and grands; "the girlfriends," and scores of close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jeanne Tierney Matsukis and Samuel Matsukis and two brothers, Thomas (Jerry) and Michael Matsukis.

"She never changed, she just expanded. She touched so many lives."

A celebration of Pat's life will be held Eureka Springs in the spring with details forthcoming.

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