Patricia Hoveland

Patricia Catherine Gisin King Hoveland died February 8 at St. Mary's Hospice House . She was born August 12, 1927 in Prescott, AZ, daughter of Dr. George and Maxine Sayers Gisin. Her father was a U.S. Army oral surgeon. Frequent moves disrupted her childhood as she lived in places like Denver, CO, and Los Angeles. Some of her happiest years were when she and her mother lived with her grandfather, Jim Sayers. He owned a country store by the Elk River in a beautiful mountain valley at Clark north of Steamboat Springs, CO. At age 13, she was living with her mother and step-father, a flight surgeon, in a house by the harbor of Hickham Field at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 when the Japanese attacked the USA Pacific fleet, a traumatic experience for her.
Her high school education was obtained at St. Gertrude's Academy boarding school, Denver, CO. She married Karl King and lived in Dallas, TX where three children were born. She had undergraduate college courses at the University of Denver, Shriner Military Academy in Kerrville, TX, and Florida State University. They moved to Athens where her husband was a professor of Marriage and Family at the University of Georgia until his death in 1977. Pat completed a bachelor's degree with Phi Beta Kappa honors at the University of Georgia. She also earned two Master's degrees in curriculum and supervision and also French, followed by a summer of study in Lyons, France. Patricia became a much loved French teacher and curriculum director employed in high schools of Oglethorpe and Walton counties. Following her academic career, she worked as a realtor for Grayson and Benny Payne Realty companies. In addition, she taught real estate courses and earned her broker's license.
In 1988 she married Carl Hoveland, a faculty member of the Crop and Soil Sciences Department at the University of Georgia. During their life together they enjoyed trips abroad to New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, and much of Europe as well as around the USA. She was an adventurous traveler, nudging her husband to join her on a helicopter rides to land on a New Zealand glacier and also the canyon and other scenery on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. During the early 1990's they spent over a month in each of three years teaching in the newly independent Republic of Georgia, a place filled with new sights and challenges. Pat and Carl were active supporters of the University Music School, Performing Arts Center, Town and Gown Theater, and the University Gymnastics Team. During retirement she enjoyed serving as a volunteer in Pre Op Short Stay at Athens Regional Hospital. Pat was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Parish and later of the Catholic Center. Pat was a strong advocate for women priests and appreciated the ministry of Beth Long, priest at St. Gregory Episcopal Church. She was known for her genuine friendship, warmth, good sense of humor, and storytelling. Pat greatly enriched the life of Carl in many ways.
She was pre-deceased by her parents and first husband. Pat is survived by three children, Karlyne (Bob) in Norcross, Karl in Savannah, daughter-in-law Mary Ann King on Tybee Island, GA, and Kevin (Barbara) in Colbert, grandchildren Charlotte, Clint, Jenifer, Jessie, Kevin, Jr., and eight great grandchildren. She is also survived by brother, Dr. George (Kathy) Gisin, Jr. and daughters Ana Lisa and Kristina, San Antonio, TX, and sister, Beverly DeCordova in Denver, CO.
A mass of Christian burial will be held at 4 pm on Saturday, February 11 at St. Gregory Episcopal Church. It will be followed by a reception in the parish hall to celebrate her life. Instead of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to aid battered women at Project Safe, P.O. Box 7532, Athens, GA 30604. The family greatly appreciates the loving care of St. Mary's Hospice nurses in home care and at the Hospice House. As she requested, her ashes will be spread in the Elk River at Clark, CO, a place she visited for the last time in June 2011. On this visit, she fulfilled a wish to ride in a hot air balloon over Steamboat Springs.
Lord and Stephens East is in charge of arrangements.