Victoria M. Patykewich

Victoria M. Christensen Patykewich, 89, of 57 Forest Avenue, Middletown, RI, formerly of 134 Webster Street, Newport, peacefully passed away Saturday, April 19, 2008 in Middletown, RI, with her family at her side. She has left behind her loving husband of 67 years, Thomas E. Patykewich.Born in Newport, RI on Nov. 23, 1918, she was the daughter of the late Eric and Christina Bach Christensen.Victoria grew up in Newport, and lived at Swanhurst, where her father was the landscape architect. She graduated from Rogers High School and attended Milligan College in Tennessee. As a young woman, she traveled extensively to and lived in Italy with various Newport families. On July 5, 1941 she married her husband, Thomas. She worked at the Newport Torpedo Factory until her husband was stationed in Hobbs, New Mexico with the Army Air Force. After several years in New Mexico, Victoria and Thomas returned to Newport with their two small children. Mrs. Patykewich then began her career with the Newport Creamery, as one of the first employees. She worked there for over 50 years, and retired as the Comptroller/Treasurer.She was very active in the community. Mrs. Patykewich was a member of the Mosaic Club, Trinity Church, the League of Women Voters, the Republican Womens Club, the Lions Club Auxiliary, and Hazards Beach. She treasured her extended family and was known as Granny to all who knew and loved her. Some of her favorite pastimes were organizing and hosting parties, playing cards, and attending the childrens numerous sports and social events.Besides her husband, she is survived by her son Andrew Patykewich of Vero Beach, FL, her daughter Christina Offenberg of Woodbridge, VA, seven grandchildren, A. Eric Offenberg, Keith Offenberg, Todd Patykewich, Christie Wolfe, Leslie Patykewich, Erika Robinson, Remington Patykewich, 12 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.She is preceded in death by her siblings, Forrest Christensen, Andrew Christensen, Lily Green, and Mary Diegnan. Her funeral will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2008, at 11:00am in Trinity Church, Queen Anne Square, Newport.Calling hours will be held Wednesday, April 23, 2008, from 6-8pm in the Hambly Funeral Home, 30 Red Cross Avenue, Newport.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Robert Potter League for Animals, PO Box 412, Newport, RI 02840.