Natalie "Pat" Hockenberry

Natalie “Pat” Hockenberry, age 84, of California, MD passed away on Saturday, March 18th, 2023- surrounded by her loved ones. Pat was born April 15th, 1938 in Baltimore, MD. She graduated from Seton High School, and received her Associate’s Degree from University of Maryland. She married her husband, Larry E. Hockenberry, May 25th, 1979. They lived a beautiful life together, often loud, but full of laughter, love, family gatherings, and trips of a lifetime. Their strong marriage was the cornerstone of their blended family. Pat was a businesswoman, and held many jobs throughout her life that provided her with a sense of accomplishment and success. She was integral to the success of the Wildewood housing development, having played a role in Sections 1 and 2. She also worked for Seafarers International Headquarters in Marlow Heights, MD. While these endeavors brought her success, her true calling was accounting and tax preparation. Pat enjoyed running her tax preparation business, which allowed her to connect with people from all walks of life. Pat was sociable and enjoyed the conversations she shared with clients. From her in-home tax preparation business, Pat welcomed her clients into her home and introduced them to her Wall of Pride- the many photos she kept of her family in her office. Pat enjoyed many hobbies, including reading and watching sports on television- especially NASCAR and golf. Some of her favorite TV shows were Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, both of which she watched religiously every evening; and cartoons when her great-grandson Hallum was visiting. Pat and Larry were well-traveled, having taken many vacations aboard cruise ships- one of her favorites was an Alaskan cruise. She always brought back little souvenirs for family members, just to show that she was thinking of them. Pat enjoyed getting manicures and pedicures, especially if it was for a family wedding or event. She got a kick out of playing card games with family and friends. If you ask her neighbors, they will probably tell you that Halloween was important to Pat, because her yard was always decorated the most, and she loved seeing the trick-or-treaters in costume! Many of her grandkids and great grandkids all have fond and funny memories of “Halloween at grandma’s.” Pat adored being with her family, especially her great-grandchildren. More than anything, Pat loved her family. She is survived by her husband, Larry; brother, John “Bill” Stroh of Texas, and her children: Eileen Bildman (Steve), Anita Sullivan (Kenny), Howard Dorsey (Antoinette), Michael Hockenberry (Pam), and Kim Plank (Terry). She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, plus their spouses, and 9 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother, Margaret Rykoski; her father, John Stroh; her son-in-law, Robert “Mike” Sullivan; and her grandsons, Kevin Clarke and James Morgan. The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 23, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with prayers recited at 7:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Leonardtown, MD. Where a Funeral Service will be held on Friday, March 24, 2023 at 10:00 AM in the Funeral Home Chapel with Father Ryan Braam officiating. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens Leonardtown, MD. Serving as pallbearers will be: Josh Burch, Connor Plank, Brandon Swartz, Richard Aud, Jeff Ryan, and Travis Tarleton. Honorary pallbearers will be Brandon Aksteter, and Chris Romero. Contributions may be made to the Hollywood Vol. Rescue Squad P.O. Box 79 Hollywood, MD 20636 and Leonardtown Vol. Rescue Squad P.O. Box 299 Leonardtown, MD 20636.