Patrinka Anne Hnyda Kelch

In Loving Memory of Patrinka Anne Hnyda Kelch

June 17, 1940 Aug. 21, 2015

Our dear Patrinka passed away peacefully the morning of Aug. 21 after a quiet evening with family. She was born and raised in upstate New York where she was affectionately known for a time as “Patty,” a young girl who loved nature and the outdoors.

Later in life, she moved to Washington, D.C. to be near her mother who accepted a prominent job with the government of the United States. Patrinka was employed in the Math Department at American University.

Patrinka joined us as a neighbor in Shepherdstown in the 1970s and brought her passion for the environment, community and historic preservation to her work on the Shepherdstown Water and Sewer Board, Tree Committee and Historic Society as the steward and owner of the Shepherd Grist Mill, which she opened to the public on many occasions for the enjoyment and enrichment of all.

She was a community and environmental activist, animal lover and advocate, proud vegan, historian and conservationist, lover and patroness of the arts, Buddhist, loving step-mother, grandmother and friend. Patrinka was also the sole, loving caretaker and friend to Ira and Nancy Glackens, who resided at 209 East High Street before their deaths.

Patrinka was preceded in death by her mother, father, step-father and one brother.

She is survived by her step-daughter, Caitlin Kelch, and granddaughter, Viola Mae Guerrero.

Patrinka will never be forgotten and remains in our hearts forever.