Obituary of Patricia S. Vander Poest

Patricia S. Vander Poest, of Merritt Island, Florida passed away on Tuesday, September 3, 2019. She was born to Florence Weddle and Leo Patrick Strope on March 22, 1934, in Great Falls, Montana. Patricia grew up in Malta, a small Montana town near the Canadian border. Parts of many of her summers were spent enjoying Montana’s Flathead Lake with family. In 1955, Patricia graduated from the University of Montana, where she received her Bachelor of Arts with honors in Home Economics and Music. While a Delta Gamma sorority sister, she was nominated as a University of Montana homecoming queen and competed for Miss Montana. After graduation, she taught home economics to junior and high school students at Paris Gibson Junior High, Helena High and Satellite High School. Patricia received her Masters of Education in Counseling from Stetson University in 1976. Patricia was a loving Mother to three children (David, Mary and Julianne) and wife to two predeceased husbands. She was married for nearly 30 years to Howard N. Hebert (1957-1987), the Father of her three children. Then she spent another 16 years married to Douglas C. Vander Poest (1988-2004). In addition to her teaching career, Patricia worked as a counselor and a property manager. For many years, she provided spiritual counseling for those seeking inner healing thru Christian prayer. She enjoyed helping people and touched many lives in her career and as a volunteer with the Haven for Children, Holmes Regional Medical Center Auxiliary, Joe’s Club and Pregnancy Resources, Inc. She was on the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Club, Bank of Brevard and Atlantic Bank. She served as Chairwoman of the American Cancer Society, an Executive Committee and Board Member to the Service District 7B Mental Health Board of Brevard County, Inc., and Treasurer with the P.E.O. Sisterhood Chapter CK. She was a member of the American Association of University Women-Melbourne Branch, the Republican Women’s Network of South Brevard and Therapy Dogs, Inc. Along with being an invaluable asset to the community, Patricia was a great role model to her family and friends. She was a wonderful listener and had a remarkable ear for fine music and quality talent. She was a gifted pianist and singer, gourmet chef and skilled seamstress. Staying active was a life-long commitment. Whether dancing, scuba diving, horseback riding, biking, weight lifting, hiking or daily walks with her beloved Golden Retriever, Bella, she joyfully celebrated each day. Traveling to visit family members was a priority. She was grateful to have explored many continents through her ministry work and for pleasure. She valued the diverse cultures and meeting new friends along the way. Later in life, her time was often spent with friends and family enjoying the symphony, bible study, movies, bridge, theater and reading books together. She found daily strength, discipline and wisdom from her faith and was known to many as a “prayer warrior”. With over 55 years as a Florida resident, she worshiped with friends at St Sebastian’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, St John’s Episcopal Church and Prince of Peace Church. She also served on the vestry of both St John’s Episcopal and Prince of Peace Churches. Patricia’s infectious smile and laughter brightened any room, while her quick wit, intelligence, grace and elegance opened all our hearts. She will be greatly missed and leaves many mourning including: Mary Kathryn (daughter) and William Kolarek; Dr. Michael B. (brother) and Nikki Strope; Rosemarie Strope; along with her extended family of nieces and nephews and many treasured friends. Patricia is predeceased by Philip W. Strope (brother), David Scott Hebert (son) and Julianne Marie Hebert (daughter). Friends and loved ones are invited to a memorial service and celebration of Patricia’s life with a reception to follow on October 26, 2019. With Reverend Gray T. Echols officiating, the celebration of Patricia’s life will begin at 10 a.m. at Prince of Peace Church, 6895 Murrell Road, Melbourne, Florida 32940. Cremation has taken place with interment scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on the same day at St. John’s Episcopal Church Memorial Garden, 610 Young Street, Melbourne, FL 32935. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in her honor be made to Prince of Peace Church or St. John’s Episcopal Church.