Patricia (Pat) N. Benedict passed away at the Moffitt Cancer on April 6, 2026, following a lengthy bout with cancer. She was born on July 7, 1947, in Columbus, Ohio, the eldest daughter of Michael A. and Amanda S. Namey. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Sue, and brother Michael. Pat is survived by her husband of 28 years, Horace (Ed) Benedict and two children from her first marriage. A son Paul Thorne and his wife Gail, and a daughter Kimberly and her husband Robert Kirkendall. She had two stepchildren from her marriage to Ed. A stepson Stefan Benedict, married to Aysha and a stepdaughter Shan, married to John Nemeth. Pat's grandchildren are Ayla Kirkendall, Coulson Benedict, Paighton Benedict, Caden Nemeth, and Kai Nemeth.

As a result of her asthma, Pat’s family moved from Columbus, Ohio, to Tampa, FL, when she was 15 years old. She was a graduate of Chamberlain High School. She received her Bachelor of Education from the University of South Florida and completed her graduate studies in Education Supervision at Nova University. She taught throughout her career, beginning in elementary and ending as a middle school math teacher. While at her last teaching assignment at Farnell Middle School Pat served a Math Department Head and received the Teacher of The Year Award in 2004. She concluded her teaching career upon her retirement in May 2004.

Pat was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa (UUCT) where she was a tireless volunteer and a recognized pillar of the community. Among the leadership roles she held were Church Treasurer, Co-chair of a Ministerial Search Committee, Co-Chair of a new building’s fund raising and construction committees, and Co-Chair of the annual auction. At the time of her death, Pat was serving as the UUCT’s Pledge Secretary and Worship Committee Chair.

Always the believer that one of your best assets are good friends, she was the member of several informal women’s group that met regularly to share their current life situations and support one another. Pat was an avid reader and loved exploring her family’s history through genealogy. She kept close contact with lifelong friend of 65 years Fran Fillegar. Even though Fran and Pat lived on opposite side of the Florida peninsula, they stayed within weekly contact.

Throughout her battle with cancer (breast cancer first, then lymphoma) Pat kept an I-can-lick this attitude. She concentrated on achieving a favorable outcome. Her attitude was infectious to all who kept in close contact with her. Pat was cherished by her family and friends and will be greatly missed.