Patricia R Seibert

Patricia Robbins Seibert, 86, of Largo FL and 9-Mile Lake MN, died at home May 6, 2011. Services will be held Tuesday, May 10, at 5 pm at Anona Methodist Church, 13233 Indian Rocks Rd.; Largo, FL 33774.

Pat was born August 12, 1924, in St. Paul, Minnesota, the daughter of Merritt Robbins, a self-made banker, and Velma Robbins, a master gardener. Pat inherited her fathers’ exceptional financial mind and her mother’s green thumb, including tending the spectacular orchids in her home until the end of her life. She played the piano from the age of 4 and graduated from Macalester College in 1947. In 1947, she also married Herman E. Seibert. They were married for 54 years until his death in 2001.

In 1957, the Seiberts moved to Pinellas County when Herm was transferred to the new Honeywell plant in St. Petersburg. Pat Seibert was a treasured voice in the community. She was the organist at the Anona Methodist Church, where she was also a member, a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, on the Largo Library Board, and active in the PTA. She was President of the Clearwater YWCA, a long-time member of the Board of Directors of College Fund of Pinellas County, on the national Board of Directors of the American Field Service and was recognized as “Mrs. Largo” in the 1970s. She was the part owner of two businesses, the Indian Rocks Inn and the Golden Glo Hair Salon.

Pat opened her home, and heart, to numerous foreign exchange students through the American Field Service program. She was a trusted confidant and advisor to many young people and friends throughout her life.

Pat Seibert accomplished all this from either a wheelchair or crutches. In her late 20's, she was involved in a car accident and spent nearly 60 years as one with physical disabilities. To have accomplished what she had is nothing short of heroic. She never lost her infectious smile or her "can do" attitude. Perhaps her most lasting achievement is the courage she has given to others with disabilities, and the awe and respect she has inspired in all who have observed her grace and will in overcoming such substantial obstacles.

She spent a lifetime teaching tolerance, sharing wisdom, committing to family and community, and exhibiting remarkable courage. She leaves a legacy of compassion, kindness, personal strength, and generosity that will never be forgotten.

Patricia Seibert was predeceased by her husband, Herman E. Seibert (2001) and her son Donald H. Seibert (1976). She is survived by her sister Jean Hunter of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; daughter, Nancy S. Cappo and husband Rocky of Seminole, FL, son Steven M. Seibert and wife Jeana of Tallahassee, FL; grandchildren Steven Seibert and wife Rebecca of Midlothian, VA, Cari Bornes and husband Leif of Billings, MT, Christopher Cappo of Jacksonville, FL, Trevor Edwards of Port Orange, FL, and Benjamin Seibert of Tallahassee, FL; great grandchildren Joseph and Emory Seibert and Heather Bornes; and niece, Heidi Hunter of Manitoba, Canada.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Suncoast Hospice, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd; Clearwater, FL 33760. Or online at http://www.thehospicefoundation.org. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Moss Feaster Funeral Home Serenity Gardens Chapel Largo. Please visit www.mossfeasterlargo.com.