Patricia Ann Pfeiffer, wife of a beloved husband, mother to her cherished son and friend of countless individuals, peacefully left this world on Tuesday, April the 20 ^th , 2021.  Pat was a selfless person and impacted the lives of so many with absolute intent and sincerity.

Pat was born on November the 16 ^th , 1945 in Norfolk, Va., daughter to Otis and Lorene Shumate.  She graduated with honors from Old Dominion University with a degree in Psychology.  Upon graduation, Pat became a social worker for the city of Norfolk.  This stressful job entailed finding homes for downtrodden foster children.  The unfortunate disposition of these children only worked to embolden her and as such she treated them as if they were her own.  Her career in this field spanned nearly three decades.

Upon her retirement from the city of Norfolk, Pat partnered with her husband and built, operated and maintained a retail shop and café for ten years, "Pfeiffer's Books, Cards and a Fine Wine Merchant", in Olde Towne Portsmouth.  During this time she somehow found the time to act as President of the John Tyler Soccer League simply to be close to her son.

Patricia, like many others in her family was extraordinarily artistic and could do just about anything she set her mind to.  She was a master of many art forms including embroidery, scratch board, painting with oil & water color and photography just to name a few.  Patricia was an avid gardener and spent countless hours perfecting her flowers of all varieties, not only at home but in the gardens of her church, St. John's Episcopal Church as well.  Pat was also tremendously involved in local politics, acting as a poll worker for the city of Portsmouth, volunteering and canvassing for the Census Bureau as well as serving as vice president and treasurer for the Shea Terrace Civic League.  I do not know how but she managed all of this and so much more on top of being wife and mother to her "two boys", Arden and Andrew, as she so fondly referred to them.  Her days were always full but she still made time to plan and cook dinner every evening.

Pat was not one to sit idly by.  She was the embodiment of vigilance, virtue and strength.  Pat loved people and in turn was loved by more than anyone I've ever known.  To some she was a counselor and mentor, others, a leader and role model.  She was a beautiful person inside and out, selfless and strong.  Her actions, attitude and beautiful smile helped to shape the lives of all those around her and will continue to for years to come.

It is impossible to list all of the things Patricia Ann Pfeiffer accomplished in her 75 years on this earth.  Rest assured it was a full life, a life to remember, cherish and strive towards.  We miss you mom, more than anything but we know you are with God and your spirit will be with us for all time.

A Requiem Eucharist will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church, 424 Washington St. in Portsmouth, Virginia, on Thursday, April 29 at 1 p.m. It will also will be broadcast live on the church's Facebook page.  If you have questions please call the church at (757) 399-4967. In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to The Portsmouth Humane Society.  Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.