Patricia Anne Wachs

Patricia Anne Wachs (Hackney, Estrada) born September 18, 1935 died on May 22, 2016 at the age of 80 years. After a battle with cancer, she died peacefully in the arms of her daughter Kirstin Wachs Hoff and granddaughter Cristy Estrada Alexander and surrounded in love by her son Michael A. Estrada, her roommate Judy and the caregivers at MapleLeaf Health Care, Statesville, NC. Trisha as she was known, was born and lived her childhood in Durham, NC. During her early teens, she attended Le Grand Verger boarding school in Lutry, Switzerland. She was an honors student and an avid skier and member of the ski patrol. After returning to the United States, she served four years as a Durham High School majorette graduating with honors. After HS graduation, she attended Watts Hospital School of Nursing in NC. Trisha received her Registered Nurse (RN) degree where she was honored as a top graduate. She was a dedicated RN caring and nurturing many patients both at North Carolina Memorial Hospital and as a home health care nurse. For many years, Trisha was the caregiver for her grandmother, mother, and 2 sons while maintaining a career. She was an active member of the church beginning at a young age. Her strong faith was demonstrated not only by her involvement in various roles in the church throughout her life, but also by the dedication she devoted to various Church youth programs. She had a passion and creative flair for arts and crafts. Trisha demonstrated this talent designing window displays for department stores and modeled during bridal shows; she also created many pieces of art which won various accolades during her life. Trisha volunteered in local and international communities helping those in need. In her later years, she spent countless hours working with both Habitat for Humanity and Operation Shoebox Relief. She had a passion for reading, music, and the performing arts including theatre and dance. Her love for the "Fine Arts" began at a young age as she participated and acted in many plays and later in life helped design sets and costumes with the Parks and Recreation Association in Wilson, NC. Trisha was able to comprehend and speak many languages, especially French and Spanish from her time living in both Switzerland and Guatemala. She spoke fluent Spanish to her caregivers even during her final hours. Most importantly Trisha was a mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She enjoyed attending and supporting her family at sports events, school functions, church activities and holidays. She loved her family and would do anything for them. We are extremely proud of her lifetime achievements. She was proceeded in death by her son, Christopher Alberto Estrada; parents, Norman and Dorothy Hackney; grandparents, Norman and Mattie Harton. Survivors include a son, Michael A. Estrada of Statesville, NC; daughter, Kirstin W. Hoff (Jason) of Birmingham, AL; grandchildren, Cristy E. Alexander (Matthew), Jennifer E. Geis (Jon), Taylor Estrada, Carter Estrada, Karina Hoff and Cooper Hoff; and great grandchildren, Xavier Alexander, Miles Alexander and Madison Geis. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2016, 11:00 a.m. at Maplewood Cemetery in Durham, North Carolina. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations may be made American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.