Patricia Lou Klahr

With both sadness and fond memories, we announce the death of Patricia “Pat” Lou Prycl Klahr. Pat died peacefully on December 21, 2025, at her home in Blairsville, Pennsylvania, from complications of multiple myeloma. She was 83.

Pat was born on May 12, 1942, and spent her formative years in New Stanton, PA. She had a distinguished academic journey: After graduating from Hempfield High School, she earned a BA from Chatham College and a Master’s in Library Science from the University of Pittsburgh. Later in life, she completed her education with a MBA from Stanford University. Her career in Operations Management across various manufacturing companies left a lasting impact.

But those impressive credentials barely begin to tell Pat’s story. She embraced life’s adventures with independence, enthusiasm, and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. She was an avid reader and a talented painter, and she took great pleasure in traveling — both in the United States and abroad. Loved ones described Pat as open-hearted, warm, gracious, funny, generous, thoughtful, and unwaveringly caring. She was also known for her stubbornness and her love of chocolate desserts. She lived in many places throughout her life, primarily in Pennsylvania, but found her true home during the nearly 20 years she spent in a magical cabin on Frog Bayou in Rudy, Arkansas.

Pat’s greatest pride and joy were her children, Anna Klahr and Joshua Klahr (Suzanne McKechnie Klahr). She also found deep comfort in the many friendships she nurtured over her lifetime. Pat was a devoted and active member of the Episcopal Church throughout her adult life. She was a dedicated lifelong Democrat who firmly believed in the principles of freedom and liberty for all, and she supported causes such as Doctors Without Borders, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and The Nature Conservancy.

Pat’s entire family is profoundly grateful for the dedication and compassion of Sandy Duffey and Alison Ulrich, who provided Pat with exceptional care and the warmth of their companionship in her final years. Their steadfast love and support allowed Pat to remain at home, surrounded by familiar comforts, and made her final days peaceful and dignified.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Otto and Elizabeth (Klingman) Prycl. In addition to her children, she is survived by her beloved brothers, Lewis Prycl (Belva Ann Prycl) and Jeffrey Prycl (Rosemary Prycl); her amazing grandchildren, Alexander and Julia Klahr; her bonus grandchildren, Sedona and Desmond Reilly; and her cherished pets, Gracie and Posey, who have been adopted by her caregivers.

She requested that this include the Serenity Prayer, a guiding light throughout her life: “God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and Wisdom to know the difference.”

Pat will be cremated, and her ashes will be scattered according to her wishes. A private celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Donations in her honor can be made to Doctors Without Borders. www.https://give.doctorswithoutborders.org