Patricia Ann Mawby-Jaber (Benson) of Cape Coral, died peacefully on January 20, 2021 of brain cancer, surrounded by her loving family. She was 87.
In the end, cancer made Pat frail, but she was never weak. Pat’s dedication to her family, faith and country never wavered. Pat was able to observe President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’s inauguration before she died later the same day.
Pat is survived by her devoted and beloved husband, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Donald Jaber of Cape Coral and her sister, Barbara Bernsten of Alabama.
Pat will be eternally missed by her four sons, Michael Mawby (Melissa) of Connecticut, Richard Mawby of Michigan, Gary Mawby of Las Vegas and Christopher Mawby of Orlando, Florida.
Pat leaves her blessed grandchildren, who were the lights of her life: Miles Mawby (Giovanna) of Maryland, Lillian Mawby, a chemistry Ph.D. candidate at Penn State University and Dylan Mawby of Nashville, Tennessee. Pat held a special place in her heart for their mother, Noella Driscoll, of Washington DC.
Also surviving are her cherished cats Ty and Smokey Mawby-Jaber – Pat and Don’s furry children.
Pat is preceded in death by her parents Bernard and Agnes Benson, sister Jean Russo and brother Robert — all of St. Clair Shores, Michigan.
Patricia Ann was born on September 5, 1933, the second of four children. She attended South Lakes High School in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, before embarking on a journey around the world in which she was the primary caregiver, a devoted wife and mother and ultimately a career woman.
Pat was always the rock of her family; she made their houses into homes, providing stability and support as she grew her family by having four sons. Pat and her family lived abroad for 21 years, spending multi-year stints in Japan, France, Spain and Germany.
Upon returning to the United States in 1981, Pat worked for the United States Government in the Washington DC-area—a career path that started with her work in military intelligence while living in Germany. Pat retired from government service as a Technical Information Specialist in 2006 after a decorated 31-year career.
Pat was the primary caregiver throughout her life — she took care of her family, friends, as well as those disadvantaged or underserved. Love of family and love of God were Pat’s guiding principles throughout her life; she held her Catholic faith dear and supported many charitable causes. Pat loved her cats, collecting treasures from her travels, playing Yahtzee every Wednesday with her grandchildren as they grew up and hosting weekly friendly card nights with her neighbors and friends in Cape Coral.
While it is not possible to wrap our arms around a loved one who has gone to Eternal Heaven, it is possible to wrap our hearts around memories. Memories of Pat will be cherished by many.
A Memorial Service celebrating Pat’s life will be held on February 22, 2021 from 2-3pm at Fuller Metz Cremation & Funeral Service.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in her honor to the charity of your choice.