June Pataky

June Marie Evans Pataky, 95, formerly of Locust Grove, VA, died peacefully January 13 with family by her side. She is survived by daughters Patricia Pataky Anderson (Roland) and Susan Pataky Loyd (John); son John (Colleen); eight grandchildren: Evan, Kate, and Will (Jolinda) Anderson, Annie Reid (Ben), Christopher, and Elly Loyd, and Brooke and Ellen Pataky; great-granddaughter Marion Reid; and son-in-law Bob Miller. She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Ernest John Pataky, daughter Gail Jeanne Pataky, sister Ruth Jennus, and brother Otto Evans.

June was born June 20, 1929, in Newark, New Jersey, to Marie Anna Marschner and Otto Cleveland Evans. She married her high school sweetheart, Ernie, in 1951, just before he joined the U.S. Army. Their first daughter, Patricia, was born while Ernie was away at Officer Candidate School; he soon after served seven months in the Korean War. June's marriage to Ernie led to many moves and adventures, and she embraced her role as homemaker and mother. After their son, John, was "old enough to get off the bus by himself," June took a job as a typesetter at a local newspaper and later used her super-fast typing skills in other work environments. June loved singing-mostly hymns-and played piano throughout her life. In high school she was in a 40-member harmonica band and would wow us years later with this musical talent.

June and Ernie were immensely proud of their children and never missed an opportunity to spend time with their grown kids or babysit the grandchildren. They enjoyed many family adventures together, including camping trips with a pop-up camper towed behind the family station wagon, annual trips to the Outer Banks, NC, sailing adventures on the Chesapeake Bay, and flying up and down the east coast in a Cessna piloted by Ernie. After retirement, June and Ernie traveled the world, visiting every continent except Antarctica (though they came close on a cruise around the tip of South America).

While the last 15 years of her life were impacted by dementia, June remained joyful almost every step of the way. She enjoyed participating in the activities at Chancellors Village (Spotsylvania) and Commonwealth Senior Living (Kilmarnock), always with an eye on the clock, waiting for the next mealtime. Those who provided care for June over the years often remarked on how pleasant she was and how easy she was to care for. She was affectionately known as "Junebug" by her caretakers.

A memorial service will be held on February 15, 11:00 a.m., at Christ Church Parish (Episcopal), Saluda. June will be laid to rest next to Ernie in a private service at Culpeper National Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to Hands Across Middlesex, 7485 General Puller Highway, Locust Hill, VA 23092. or any charity of your choice.

Faulkner Funeral Home, Bristow-Faulkner Chapel, Saluda is assisting the family.