Patricia (Pat) Gaines Poppell, widow of The Rev. Bill Poppell died a peaceful death on December 8. A retired RN; she had been professionally employed at St. Luke’s Hospital, Jacksonville, FL. and Alachua General Hospital, Gainesville, FL. Active in retirement, she was a volunteer for 19 years at Lake Area Ministries Inc., a volunteer for Haven Hospice, a past president of Melrose Woman’s Club, and past Regent of Colonel Samuel Elbert Chapter of NS DAR. She loved traveling, playing bridge, and reading. A member of Trinity Episcopal Church, she belonged to the Order of St. Luke’s and was active in Cursillo. She also served as Eucharistic Minister, Visiting Eucharistic Minister, and a member of The Daughters of the King. She was preceded in death by her husband, The Reverend William (Bill) Poppell and her son, John Christopher Poppell. Survivors include her brother, Frederic F. Gaines, and wife, Ruth; Pat’s children William (Chip) Poppell, Jr., and wife, Nancy; Cathryn Poppell Keating and husband, John; Cheryl Poppell Hazel and husband, Dick; adoptive daughter-in-law, Patti Hulon, and husband, Mike; 14 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.A celebration of Pat’s life will be held Wednesday, December 14, 11:00, at Trinity Episcopal Church Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Poppell Memorial Fund (a dedicated Cursillo fund), Trinity Episcopal Church, PO Box 361, Melrose, FL 32666; Lake Area Ministries, PO Box 1385, Keystone Heights, FL 32656; or Haven Hospice, 6400 St. Johns Ave., Palatka, FL 32177. Condolences may be sent to the Pat’s family by signing her online page at WWW.WattsFuneralHomes.com. Simplicity Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Watts Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Inc., San Mateo, Florida.
Print Obituary & Condolences
Offer Condolence for the family of Patricia (Pat) Gaines Poppell
Heartfelt sympathy to Pat’s family. I am a fellow member of Trinity Episcopal Church.
May you find peace and comfort in God’s love.
Joanne Johnson
I just got this news….. My sincere condolences to the family.
Pat & I go back to the early 70′s..we both worked at Alachua General…Bill baptized my youngest child, Jodel in 1972 & Chip & my oldest son, Rick, were school buddies & still are good friends Pat was a wonderful nurse..she worked many a miracle with the neuro patients she cared for..I saw patients WALK out of the hospital after being told that it would never happen.
Having lost touch after 35 years away from Florida, Rick was able to locate Pat for me last year & we had a ‘mini’ re-union over lunch in Melrose.
Only last week for 2 or 3 days Pat was real strong on my mind.. Pat will be missed by many..
Jodye Weiler, Rugby TN
My deepest deepest sympathy to Mrs. Poppell’s family. May your faith and memories see you through this time of sorrow.
Much love,
Tracey
Chip, remembering your warm and friendly home from our younger years – I know your Mom was the reason. With deepest sympathy for you and your family.
Love, Julie
Pat was my table worker when I made my Cursillo in 1985. She has been a very good Cursillo friend ever since. I always thought of Pat as my Cursillo Mom. I will miss her.
Pat was a very lovely LADY. She will truly be missed by all; especially her
bridge players. We loved her and her unique personality.