Leander, TX, September 23, 2025
News Summary
Patricia Ann Adamcik Patak, known as Pat, passed away peacefully at the age of 80 in Leander, TX. A dedicated educator, she was heavily involved in cultural activities, especially within the Czech-American community, and was a beloved family member. Pat’s life was marked not only by her commitment to teaching but also by her resilience during a long health battle. Her funeral service is scheduled for October 3, encouraging donations to charities close to her heart.
Leander, TX — Patricia Ann Adamcik Patak, affectionately known as Pat, passed away peacefully at the age of 80 on September 18, 2025, in Leander, TX. She was surrounded by her family and loving caregivers, including hospice nurses, at the time of her death.
Key details
Pat was born on July 14, 1945, in Dallas, TX, to Charlie F. Adamick and Julie Jurecka Adamcik. She graduated from the University of Dallas in 1967 with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and began her teaching career with the Dallas Independent School District. Her life combined dedicated service in education, active engagement in the Czech-American cultural community, and a lifelong love of polka music.
Career, family life and cultural activities
After meeting her future husband, Leonard S. Patak, in her teens, the couple married at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in 1967 in a large traditional Czech wedding. In December 1967, they moved to Frankfurt, Germany, where Leonard served as an intelligence officer with the U.S. Army. Pat taught at the American Elementary School in Frankfurt for three years and the family traveled throughout Europe during their assignment.
Upon returning to the United States, the Pataks settled in Richardson, TX, where they raised their two children, Jason and Kristin. In 1980, the family moved to Scotch Plains, NJ for Leonard’s job, and they returned to Texas in the summer of 1984. Pat left teaching in 1987 and worked in executive administration for multiple New York Life agents.
Musical heritage and community involvement
Pat was part of a multigenerational polka music tradition. Alongside her sister, Cathey Daboub, she participated in various Czech functions as part of her father’s polka band, touring Texas and Oklahoma. Her father continued the band known as Charlie Adamick and the Polka Tones, and her future father-in-law, Stanley Patak, started a band called the Polka Dots. Pat and Cathey performed as the Adamcik Sisters, playing accordion to help pay for their tuition at the University of Dallas. She remained an active member of the Catholic Czech community in Dallas, including SPJST #84, WFLA Lodge, and the Catholic Czech Club (KJT).
Health, later years and personal interests
In 2000, at the age of 54, Pat was diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumor. Despite the diagnosis, she remained resilient over the next 25 years with support from her husband and children. The family maintained a retreat they called their “Happy Place” at a Lake Chalet on Lake Cypress Springs in East Texas.
In 2015, Pat moved to Leander, TX, to be closer to her daughter Kristin and her family, living in a facility better suited for her needs. She was a well-loved community member who enjoyed local conversations and was a regular supporter of the Texas Longhorns. For her 80th birthday, she was celebrated with a live concert featuring her favorite music, Polka, and Willie Nelson.
Planned services and charitable preferences
Pat’s funeral service is scheduled for 9 AM on Friday, October 3, at Calvary Hill Cemetery in the North Chapel, 3235 Lombardy Lane, Dallas, TX. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the National Brain Tumor Society, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Texas Humane Heroes.
Survivors
Survived by her sister Cathey Daboub and brother-in-law Henry Daboub, sister-in-law Margie Williams, son Jason Patak and wife Maria, daughter Kristin Barnebey and husband Robert, and four grandchildren. Grandchildren include Rob Barnebey (21), Liam Barnebey (18), Charlie Marie (18), and Riley Ann (14). Kristin and Robert lived near Pat in Leander, TX, while Jason and Maria reside in Southlake, TX.
Background and education
Pat was a devout Catholic who attended St. Cecilia’s Catholic Elementary School and Our Lady of Good Counsel High School (Bishop Dunne). She completed her degree at the University of Dallas in 1967 and began her professional life in education with the Dallas Independent School District.
Legacy
Pat is remembered for combining a long career in education with deep involvement in cultural music traditions and strong family ties. Her life included international experience, community service, and decades of perseverance through serious illness.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Patricia Ann Adamcik Patak pass away?
Patricia Ann Adamcik Patak, affectionately known as Pat, passed away peacefully at the age of 80 on September 18, 2025, in Leander, TX.
Where and when is the funeral service?
Pat’s funeral service is scheduled for 9 AM on Friday, October 3, at Calvary Hill Cemetery in the North Chapel, 3235 Lombardy Lane, Dallas, TX.
Who are the immediate surviving family members?
Survived by her sister Cathey Daboub and brother-in-law Henry Daboub, sister-in-law Margie Williams, son Jason Patak and wife Maria, daughter Kristin Barnebey and husband Robert, and four grandchildren.
Who are the grandchildren?
Grandchildren include Rob Barnebey (21), Liam Barnebey (18), Charlie Marie (18), and Riley Ann (14).
What was Pat’s medical diagnosis?
In 2000, at the age of 54, Pat was diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumor.
Where did Pat move in 2015 and why?
In 2015, Pat moved to Leander, TX, to be closer to her daughter Kristin and her family, living in a facility better suited for her needs.
Where did Pat go to college and what degree did she earn?
She graduated from the University of Dallas in 1967 with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education.
Where did Pat teach while living abroad?
Pat taught at the American Elementary School in Frankfurt for three years.
To which organizations can donations be made in lieu of flowers?
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the National Brain Tumor Society, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Texas Humane Heroes.
Summary of key facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Patricia Ann Adamcik Patak |
| Age and date of death | 80; September 18, 2025 |
| Place of death | Leander, TX |
| Birth | July 14, 1945 in Dallas, TX |
| Education | University of Dallas, BA in Elementary Education, 1967 |
| Early career | Teacher with the Dallas Independent School District; taught at the American Elementary School in Frankfurt for three years |
| Music and culture | Member of the Adamcik Sisters, polka performer; active in SPJST #84, WFLA Lodge, and Catholic Czech Club (KJT) |
| Diagnosis | Meningioma brain tumor, diagnosed in 2000 at age 54 |
| Funeral | 9 AM on Friday, October 3, Calvary Hill Cemetery, North Chapel, 3235 Lombardy Lane, Dallas, TX |
| Donations | National Brain Tumor Society; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Texas Humane Heroes |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Patricia Patak
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Dignity Memorial: Patricia Patak (Alternate Link)
- Google Search: Patricia Patak
- Dallas Morning News: Leonard Patak Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
- Dignity Memorial: Patricia Patak (Final Link)
- Google News: Obituary
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