1956-2011
The light of our lives, beloved mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, Nancy Patterson Klekas, passed away on August 17, 2011. Determined to be there for her family, she battled cancer for five years. Her weapons were a fierce tenacity, joie de vivre, love, laughter, and kindness.
A stunning beauty, Nancy was even more beautiful inside. Her selflessness was extraordinary, as she was determined never to burden others with the despairs of her illness, and instead lifted them with her infectiously joyous laugh. She had the truly unique gift of making anyone she was near feel special and loved.
Nancy was born December 3, 1956, in Denver, Colorado, to Gale and Sybil Patterson. The family moved to Salt Lake City when Nancy was 13. After graduating from Olympus High School in 1975, she attended the University of Utah. Nancy married Jeffrey Klekas on May 4, 1980, in Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
A dedicated employee of the University of Utah for 27 years, Nancy was honored in 2009 with the Staff Excellence Award for outstanding service to the university. She served as Accounting Supervisor for the Department of Psychology. But her life’s work, crowning achievement and deepest joy was as mother to her cherished sons. Nancy tirelessly nurtured their talents in art, athletics, and academics, guiding them to become the quality human beings who are her greatest legacy.
Nancy is survived by her husband Jeff, sons Michael and Steven, father Gale “Pat” Patterson, sister Barbara (Phil) Kuehnert, brothers Jim and Steve (Julie) Patterson, many loving nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Sybil.
Funeral services will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 279 South 300 West, on Tuesday, August 23, at 11:00. Interment at Mount Olivet Cemetery. There will also be a viewing on Monday evening, August 22, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity, with Trisagion service at 7:00.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Huntsman Cancer Foundation.
Arrangements under the direction of Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, Salt Lake City, UT.
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