Patricia was a fellow Universal Life Church Minister who passed away on November 4, 2008 at age 51. "Z" (as she was fondly referred to by everyone), and I met in 1980 in Madison, WI where we immediately became friends and as young girls do, did almost everything together. It was through her that I met Rev. Goldstein who ordained us on the same day and we worked on many pastoral projects together including the one that helped Native Americans. She was full-blooded, 2nd generation Ukranian and taught me the similarities of the Native American culture and theirs. She had a love for animals, nature, music, organic foods and clothing, farming and gardening, needlepoint, dancing and people of all cultures. Her quick wit and wonderful sense of humor was a blessing at many gatherings, coupled with a giving nature and strong determination to set things right that needed to be. She was loved by many.
Per a letter I received from Rev. Goldstein alerting me of her death, "Our beloved sister in the struggle is no more. . . Z died after a couple of weeks at home following a heart attack, which put her in the hospital. At the end she was on life support after having been brought back 3 or 4 times. She did not want to be kept alive by being hooked to machines and when they finally unplugged her, she took a couple of breaths and was gone. That morning Matthew called and I refused to answer the phone cause I knew what it was cause it just rang and rang. I guess I figured that if I didn't know. . . Matthew called back awhile later so I picked it up and got the bad news. When we hung up I wept for the first time since my daughter told me she had breast cancer some time ago. I went out on the front porch and stuffed my face into the sofa and just sobbed and sobbed… Thank goodness they caught my girl's in time, but. . ."
Like the others whose hearts she touched, she will always remain in my heart and memory. As young girls we marched in the streets and protested against wrong-doings against the environment and breaches of human rights. We worked side by side on many projects at one of the communes she lived on and in many of the food co-ops we worked at.
When John Lennon was assassinated we walked together with hundreds in the streets holding candles and each other's hands while singing his "Imagine" song and the Beatles Give Peace A Chance. When my webmaster and dear friend first started putting CFK's website together and choosing the music, it was those times I thought of. I dedicate those songs and our initial and continued efforts in her honor that wherever she may be, she may be watching and smiling because if she were able, she'd be right along with us pushing for environmental activism, alternative healthcare and spirituality. We may have separated our physical paths as we matured but know not in our hearts.
Z is survived by her husband Matthew, who lives in Tennessee, and her daughter Fawn Hawpetoss, Goddaughter of my heart. If Fawn should ever see this Tribute — walk proudly, honey. Your mother was an awesome woman who loved you very much!
Rev. D. L. Ziebell |
