Patricia Deanne Garcia

Patricia Deanne Wainscott Garcia left this earth on Thursday evening, January 25, 2018, at the age of 84. Pat was born in Connersville, Indiana on September 2, 1933 to Dean E. Wainscott and Mary E. Partlow Cox. She was the granddaughter of Mayme and Fred Partlow of Connersville, and Ransome and Gladys Wainscott of Jefferson County, Indiana. Pat spent her early years in Connersville, living in her Grandpa and Grandma Partlow's house while her father worked at the Auburn-Cord plant in Connersville. A change of jobs necessitated the family move to Richmond, Indiana. Her sister, Linda was born during this time. Pat went to Test Junior High and graduated from Richmond High School in 1951. Pat met and married James Sipe, of Richmond, in 1953. They had three children together: Jeffrey, Jennifer, and Jill. After dissolution of their marriage in 1965, Pat met Ted Smith and moved to Tampa, Florida. In Tampa, Pat went to work for the local credit bureau. She also worked for Landmark Bank of Tampa, and Jim Walter Homes. She finished her working years at Florida Mining and Materials-Southdown, retiring in 1999. While she met and had many good friends over the years, she became very close to Ms. Phyllis Newberger and maintained that friendship throughout the years. It was in 1983, Pat met Henry Garcia of Tampa. They eventually married, moved to the mountains of Burnsville, North Carolina and were together for over 34 years, until Henry's death in December of 2017. Pat was an avid gardener. She could grow anything. From the simplest annual to the most finicky orchid, plants thrived under her green thumbs. She was known for her ability to grow anything, anywhere. No plant ever became mulch under her care. Pat was also a tremendous cook, a trait she received from her beloved Grandmother Mayme. While some wives and mothers might want jewelry or fancy doo-dads for birthday and Christmas, Pat was always happiest receiving a new cookbook. Her shelves were lined with well used Southern Living and Good Housekeeping cookbooks. That's not to say that she was a meek and mild housewife. No, she was also a closet Mata Hari. She loved James Bond (mostly Sean Connery and Roger Moore) and all types of spy novels. Tom Clancy, Robert Ludlum, and David Baldacci were her and Henry's favorite authors. All of their books were read with anticipation, and with the onset of forgetfulness, many more than once! And one would be bereft, if her and Henry's love of travel was not mentioned. Maine to California, Key West to the UP of Michigan, retirement allowed them the time and freedom to see much of America, with some Mexico, Caribbean, and Canada thrown in for good measure. But time waits on no woman. She was never able to fulfill her final dream of visiting Ireland. Perhaps the morning mists and the lush greenery of North Carolina was able to satiate her. We can only hope. Pat's voice and her love will greatly missed by her family and friends that survive her. They include her daughter Jill (Alan) Wells of Round Lake, IL and son, Jeff (Susan) Sipe of Macon, GA. She will also be missed by her beloved grandchildren; Kayleigh and Lydia Wells, James (Kelley) Sipe, and Elizabeth (Keith) Hodge and her darling great-granddaughters and grandsons; Samantha and Matthew Sipe, and Madison and Kayden Hodge. She will also forever be in thoughts and prayers of her nieces and nephew, Kimberly (Chip) Porter, Kara Casteel, and Chris Burkett. Also grieving her and Henry are the women and men of Smokey Ridge Health and Rehabilitation of Burnsville, whose care and compassion was demonstrated day after day, during the long, slow decline. The family's appreciation is more than can be expressed. Thanks must also be given to Yancy County Hospice for the guidance and strength they provided during her final days. She was preceded in death by her love, her husband, Henry and her precious daughter, Jennifer Lynn Sipe. She had also suffered through the loss of her dear sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Marvin Burkett. Funeral services will be held at 1:15PM on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at Hart's at the Cupola. Her family asks that in lieu of flowers, that donations be made in her honor to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org) or to your local Hospice. Please sign the online guest registry at www.hartsmort.com. Hart's Mortuary, Cherry Street, has charge of arrangements.