Patricia "Pat" Kopinski, born on February 14, 1947, in Tennessee, passed away on April 21, 2026, in Illinois, leaving behind a life remembered with love, strength, and a spirit that was truly her own.

Pat was a woman who lived with honesty, warmth, and a strong sense of independence. She was known by many simply as Pat, and those who knew her understood that she carried herself with a straightforward nature and a kind heart. She had a way of making her presence known, whether through a quiet conversation, a shared laugh, or one of her famously direct remarks. If she did not want to be bothered, she made that perfectly clear by telling you to "Hit the Bricks," a phrase that became part of her unforgettable personality and reflected the no-nonsense way she approached life.

A proud Tennessee native, Pat later made her home in Illinois, where she spent many years building a life filled with work, family, and the everyday moments that gave her joy. She ran a bar for years in Chicago, Illinois, where she became a familiar and respected presence. Through her work, she met many people and formed connections that reflected her outgoing nature and her ability to hold her own in any setting. She understood people well and had the kind of personality that could make a room feel more lively simply by being in it.

Pat's greatest devotion was to the people and animals she loved. She cared deeply for her family and held close the memory of her parents, Virgil Renfro and Marie Renfro, as well as her daughter, Lynne Giessinger, who preceded her in death.

She is survived by her son, Tony Schaffer; her beloved grandchildren, Dylan, Jada, Isaiah, and Shawn; and many more grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought her great pride and happiness. Her family was an important part of her life, and her love for them was steady and enduring.

Those who knew Pat will remember that she enjoyed the simple comforts of life. She liked watching television from time to time and listening to music, but nothing could compare to her love for animals. She cared for them with remarkable tenderness and attention, and her affection for them was one of the clearest reflections of her generous heart. Her compassion for animals showed a softer side of her personality and revealed the depth of her kindness. She had a special gift for caring, and that gift extended beyond words into the way she lived each day.

Pat was also a person who could be a joy to be around. She had a presence that many found comforting, entertaining, and genuine. She did not pretend to be anyone other than herself, and that authenticity made her memorable. Her humor, her honesty, and her strong will were all part of what made her so loved. She could be both gentle and firm, affectionate and direct, and those who knew her best appreciated her for exactly who she was.

Her passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of those who loved her, but her memory will continue to live on through the family she cherished, the lives she touched, and the many stories that will be told about her. Patricia "Pat" Kopinski will be remembered for her strength, her loyalty, her love of animals, and the unmistakable personality that made her one of a kind. She will be missed dearly and remembered always with affection and respect.